LIBRARY  OF  PRINCETON 


MAR  -em 

— — ' — ■ — - 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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"President  of  ihe  'I'l.ccil.ijjjciil  Scmlnaw.  AuJovlt. 


MEMOIR 

OF  THE 

LIFE  AND  CHARACTER 

OF 

EBENEZER  PORTER,  D.  D. 

LATE   PRESIDENT   OF  THE 
THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,  ANDOVER. 


BY  LYMAN 'maTTHEWS, 

Paslor  of  the  Soulh  Church,  Braintree,  Mas>. 


BOSTON : 

PUBLISHED  BY  PERKINS  &  MARVIN. 
PHILADELPHIA  :  HENRY  PERKINS. 

1837. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1837, 
Bv  Perkins  &  Marvin, 
n  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of 
Massachusetts. 


PREFACE. 


"  A  man's  life  may  be  so  uniform,"  said  the  subject 
of  the  following  Memoir,  when  speaking  of  a  char- 
acter he  much  admired,  "  that  no  splendid  incidents 
shall  fix  the  eye  of  curiosity ;  no  glare  of  genius  shall 
attract  the  admiration  of  the  multitude;  and  yet  a 
sound  understanding,  a  steady  piety,  and  an  habitual 
course  of  beneficent  action,  shall  secure  him  an  im- 
perishable reputation ;  while  others  are  gazed  at  as 
prodigies  of  excellence,  for  a  moment,  and  then  for- 
gotten." A  happier  illustration  of  the  truth  of  this 
remark,  it  may  perliaps  be  difficult  to  find,  than  that 
which  is  furnished  by  the  life  and  character  of  its 
lamented  author.  He  was  not  formed  to  dazzle  or 
astonish  ;  but  to  be  eminently  useful  in  a  steady  course 
of  Christian  action.  The  reader  of  his  biography  will 
not  therefore  expect  aught  that  is  novel  or  startling. 
He  will  expect  only  the  history  of  the  wise  and  faithful 
pastor,  the  discreet  and  devoted  teacher  of  candidates 


4 


PREFACE. 


for  the  holy  ministry,  the  constant  friend,  the  active, 
yet  unassuming  patron  of  every  judicious  enterprise 
for  the  advancement  of  piety  and  philanthropy. 

The  likeness  prefixed  to  the  Memoir,  though  an  exact 
copy  of  the  painting  from  which  it  is  taken,  and  which 
is  in  most  respects  a  perfect  work,  exhibits  a  slight 
frown  which  was  never  observable  on  Dr.  Porter's 
countenance,  unless  he  was  exercised  with  severe 
pain,  or  was  engaged  in  intense  study.  For  this 
defect  in  the  portrait,  he  attributed  no  blame  to 
the  artist,  who  was  a  master  in  his  profession :  but 
supposed  it  to  be  owing  to  the  structure  of  the  room 
in  which  he  sat  for  the  painting,  and  to  a  tempo- 
rary weakness  of  his  eyes  which  rendered  the  light 
painful. 

The  biographical  sketch  of  the  Hon.  Thomas 
Porter,  though  somewhat  more  extended  than  is 
usual  in  such  cases,  is  inserted  with  the  belief  that  it 
will  render  the  volume  more  valuable  to  the  numerous 
circle  who  were  acquainted  both  with  the  father  and 
the  son ;  and  with  the  hope  that  the  intrinsic  excel- 
lence of  the  character,  and  the  obvious  bearing  of  the 
father's  counsels  and  example  on  the  character  and 
usefulness  of  the  son,  will  render  it  instructive  to  the 
general  reader. 

The  form  of  this  volume  has  been  determined  by 
the  peculiar  character  of  the  materials.  Dr.  Porter 
did  not  allow  himself  to  keep  a  diary,  nor  even  a  journal 
of  sufficient  extent  and  particularity  to  impart  variety 
and  animation  to  a  biography.  Denied  the  fund  of 
interesting  matter  usually  derived  from  these  sources, 
the  compiler  has  been  left  to  a  choice  between  the  al- 


PREFACE. 


5 


teiTiatives  of  making  the  narrative  of  Dr.  Porter's  life 
brief,  or  of  protracting  it  by  the  relation  of  minute  and 
unimportant  incidents. 

Should  any  one  inquire  why  the  letters  of  Dr.  Porter 
are  not  inserted  in  some  consecutive  order,  as  is  usual 
in  the  compilation  of  Memoirs  }  it  is  replied  first, — the 
compiler  feels  a  strong  objection  to  the  indiscriminate 
publication  of  familiar  letters  to  the  extent,  to  which 
they  have  often  been  presented  to  the  public.  They 
may  interest  particular  friends,  but  of  what  use  are 
they,  in  general,  to  the  community What  must  be 
the  influence  of  their  publication  on  the  literature  of 
our  country  ?  Secondly, — Dr.  Porter's  letters  were 
mostly  brief  documents  relating  to  business,  and  in 
general  are  not  proper  for  publication.  As  he  was 
an  invalid,  and  rarely  left  home  except  in  pursuit  of 
health,  his  letters  written  to  intimate  friends,  to  whom 
they  are  almost  exclusively  addressed,  contain,  with  few 
exceptions,  a  minute  account  of  his  state  of  health  ;  his 
symptoms;  the  remedies  he  employed,  and  their  effects  ; 
and  though  full  of  interest  to  those  for  whom  they 
were  intended,  they  would  be  tiresome  to  most  readers. 
Hence  the  necessity  of  presenting  extracts  only  from 
those  that  are  inserted.  There  was  one  friend  out  of 
his  family  circle  with  whom  he  kept  up  a  familiar  cor- 
respondence through  life,  the  Rev.  Zephaniali  Swift, 
of  Derby,  Connecticut.  But  his  letters  to  this  indi- 
vidual are  made  up  chiefly  of  references  to  his  state 
of  health ;  or  of  confidential  remarks  respecting  the 
men  and  measures  which  were  attracting  public  notice, 
when  they  were  written.  And  though  many  facts  of 
interest  might  be  gathered  (some  such  have  been 
1  * 


6 


PREFACE. 


gathered)  from  these  letters,  the  publication  of  most  of 
them  would  be  an  obvious  violation  of  propriety. 

His  letters  relating  to  controverted  theological  sub- 
jects, which  are  limited  in  number,  in  connection  with 
a  frank  expression  of  his  own  views,  contain  also  fre- 
quent allusions  to  the  character  and  spirit  of  individuals, 
which,  from  their  very  nature,  he  must  have  considered 
confidential.  As  most  of  these  individuals  are  still  living, 
delicacy,  not  to  say  justice,  requires  that  these  allusions 
should  be  suppressed.  Dr.  Porter  w  as  one  of  the  last 
men  to  proclaim  another's  failings,  intellectual  or  moral, 
or  to  inflict  a  needless  wound  on  the  feelings  of  others, 
even  in  supporting  a  good  cause  ;  one  of  the  last,  in- 
deed, to  venture  a  doubtful  approach  to  limits  pre- 
scribed by  delicacy,  much  more  a  doubtful  step  across 
those  limits.  Could  he  now  speak  from  the  narrow 
bed  where  his  ashes  repose,  he  would  say  what  his 
whole  course  of  conduct,  as  a  man,  a  friend,  a  Chris- 
tian, a  minister,  a  teacher  unequivocally  said — "  Let 
not  my  memory  be  a  seed  of  discord  among  brethren." 
Yet,  if  the  writec,  whose  happiness  it  has  been  to  en- 
joy peculiar  facilities  for  becoming  acquainted  with  his 
character,  has  not  studied  that  character  in  vain,  he 
would  also  require  that  sentiments,  a  distinct  avowal  of 
which  he  believed  was  demanded  by  the  interests  of 
Zion,  should  not  be  suppressed.  He  was  fearless  in 
the  expression  of  his  views — was  above  disguise.  It 
would  be  doing  him  injustice,  therefore,  to  suppress  his 
known  ojjinions  on  any  important  subject.  For  the 
bearing  of  these  on  the  favorite  views  or  measures 
of  others,  tlie  compiler  does  not  consider  himself  re- 
sponsible.   His  duty  is  performed,  if  he  executes  a 


PREFACE. 


7 


faithful  portraiture  of  the  character  he  has  undertaken 
to  dehneate. 

With  these  views,  the  Memoir,  which  has  been  de- 
layed much  beyond  the  compiler's  intentions,  partly  by 
unavoidable  engagements,  but  chiefly  by  his  ill  health, 
is  offered  to  the  Christian  public  ;  with  the  hope  that 
it  may  perpetuate  the  influence  of  its  lamented  subject, 
and  thus  prove  instrumental  in  advancing  the  sacred 
cause  to  which  his  life  was  devoted. 


Braintree,  March  22,  1837. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Biographical  sketch  of  Hon.  Thomas  Porter,  13 

CHAPTER  n. 

LIFE  OF  EBENEZER  PORTER. 

Birth — Childhood — Classical  education — Profession  of  religion — Theo- 
logical studies  and  license  to  preach — Calls  to  several  places — 
Ordination  at  Washington — Marriage,  31 


CHAPTER  HI. 

Settled  purpose  of  continuing  in  Washington— Pastoral  labors  and  their 
effects — Meeting-house  burned — Another  erected — Instruction  of 
theological  students — Health  impaired  by  labors — Deficiency  in 
salary — Correspondence  on  the  subject— Council  called — Address 
from  young  men — Meeting  of  council  and  result — Services  desired 
at  other  places— His  feelings— Elected  a  member  of  C.  A.  S.— 
Elected  a  trustee  of  Conn.  Jlis.  Soc. — Attends  Gen.  Assembly  Pres. 
Church— Invitation  to  Dutch  Church  at  Albany — Request  to  preach 
election  sermon,  35 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Appointment  at  Andover — Reasons  for  and  against  accepting — Com- 
munication to  his  church  and  society — Meeting  of  consociation — 
Dissolution  of  pastoral  relation — Answer  to  trustees — Inaugura- 


CHAPTER  V. 

Enters  on  his  labors — Receives  degree  of  D.  D. — Doubts  about  ac- 
cepting it— Elected  President  of  University  of  Vermont— Answer- 
Finds  the  northern  winter  unfavorable  to  his  health— Seeks  a 


10 


CONTENTS. 


southern  climate — Effect  on  health — Employment  while  absent — 
Returning,  attends  Gen.  Assembly  of  Pres.  Church — Appointed 
Prof,  of  Divinity  in  Yale  College— Answer,  62 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Illness — Consulted  respecting  presidency  of  Hamilton  and  Middlebury 
Colleges — Appointed  President  of  University  of  Georgia — Answer 
— Consulted  respecting  pastorship  of  Presbyterian  church  in  Colum- 
bia, S.  C. — Voyage  to  Charleston — Journal — Efforts  to  raise  funds 
for  indigent  students — Meets  President  Brown — Casualty— Return 
to  Andover — Consulted  respecting  presidency  of  South  Carolina 
College,  72 


CHAPTER  Vn. 
Voyage  to  Baltimore — Letters— Voyage  to  Charleston — Memoranda- 
Returning,  attends  General  Assembly — Consulted  respecting  pres- 
idency of  Dartmouth  College,  86 


CHAPTER  VHI. 
Contemplates  going  to  Europe— Communication  to  trustees— Varies  his 
determination  and  goes  to  Havana  and  New  Orleans — Letters — 
Memorandum  returning — Salutary  effect  on  his  health,  97 

CHAPTER  DC. 

Appointed  President  of  Theological  Seminary — Answer — Increase  of 
labors — Thinks  of  retiring  from  the  Seminary — Requests  leave  of 
absence — Embarks  for  Charleston — Letter  to  Mrs.  P. — Proceeds 
to  St.  Augustine — Letter  to  a  friend  in  his  family — Letter  to  a 
colleague — Letter  to  Mrs.  P.— Return  to  Charleston— Thinks  of 
going  to  Europe — Plan  for  the  summer — Reflections  on  leaving 
Charleston,  117 


CHAPTER  X. 

Resigns  professorship  of  Sacred  Rhetoric — Embarks  for  Charleston, 
accompanied  by  Mrs.  Porter — Proceeds  to  Walterboro'  and  Colum- 
bia— Delivers  course  of  lectures  in  Theological  Seminary  at  C. — 
Return  to  Andover — Health  but  little  improved — Again  advised  to 
go  south— Resolves  to  remain  in  Andover— Sickness  and  death  of 
his  niece— His  letter  to  her  parents — His  own  sickness  and  death — 
Funeral — Nature  of  his  disorder,  130 


CHAPTER  XI. 
INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER. 


Intellectual  endowments  happily  proportioned — Effect  of  infirmities  on 
his  intellectual  habits — Mental  characteristics — Eminently  qualified 


CONTENTS.  11 

to  act  as  umpire  in  cases  of  difficulty— Mode  of  preparing  to  write 
— Qualities  as  a  writer— Feeling  of  responsibility  as  a  literary 
man— Letter  to  Robert  Hall,  142 


CHAPTER  Xn. 

CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 

Remarks — Reason  wliy  Dr.  Porter  kept  no  diary — Resolutions — Means 
of  growth  in  piety — Systematic  in  cultivating  spiritual  feelings — 
Characteristics  of  his  piety — Faithfulness  in  discharging  duty ; 
illustrations — Qualifications  as  a  counselor  and  reprover — Letter — 
Susceptibility  of  enjoyment  heightened  by  piety — Testimony  of  his 
colleagues— Concluding  remarks,  155 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 

Ministerial  character.  Theological  studies — Selllemcnl  at  Washing- 
ton-First efforts  directed  lo  improvement  of  the  young — Instruc- 
tions respecting  parental  duties — Caloclieiical  instruction — Results 
— Estimate  of  maternal  influence— Reliance  on  doctrinal  instruc- 
tion— On  activity  in  doing  good  to  promote  growth  in  piely — Mode 
of  preaching — Eflbrls  in  training  his  vocal  powers — Pastoral  labors 

— Revival.  Studies  —  Desire  of  improvement — Observance  of 

propriety  in  public  religious  services — Concern  respecting  reputa- 
tion— Activity — Solicitude  for  the  purity  of  ihe  church — Theological 
views — Letters  to  Dr.  Tyler — E.xiracls  from  Letter  on  Revivals,    .  191 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Clutracteristics  as  a  teacher  in  a  theological  sfminary — Views  of  adequate 
training  for  the  Christian  ministry — Of  the  labors  and  responsibility 
of  his  department — Disadvantages  under  which  he  prosecuted  study 
— Habhs  of  exercise — Intercourse  with  his  pupils — Mode  of  giving 
instruction — Estimate  of  a  good  delivery — Theory  respecting  vocal 
tones  and  inflections — Letter  from  one  of  his  pupils,  2'13 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Characteristics  as  a  presiding  officer  of  a  theological  seminary — Testimony 
of  his  colleagues— First  object  lo  promote  the  growth  of  piety  in  his 
pupils — Views  of  its  importance — M<;moranda  of  pastoral  conversa- 
tions— His  interests  idenlifieil  with  those  of  the  seminary — Anxiety 
that  theological  education  should  be  thorough— Concern  respecting 
the  rights  of  Congregational  churches — Illustrations  of  their  corporate 
capacity,  256 


12 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 

Mauners  —  Social  qualities  —  Familiar  letters  —  Principles  of  family 
government— Paternal  directions— Judicious  management  of  pe- 
cuniary afTairs — Contributions — Habits  as  to  personal  expenditures, 
equipage,  &c. — Hospitality — Summary  view  of  his  social  char- 
acter,  283 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

CONNECTION  WITH  BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 

Remarks — IMonday  evening  meeting — Monthly  concert  —  American 
Tract  Society — Cliristian  Sabbaili — Letter  to  Gov.  Treadwell — 
Blonroe's  tour — La  Fayette's  tour — American  Education  Society — 
Labors  in  its  behalf— Letter  to  Tabernacle  church — Letter  to  Mr. 
Cornelius— Mr.  C.'s  reply — Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Cogswell — 
American  Home  Missionary  Society — Letter  to  Mr.  E.  Lord — 
Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Peters — Prison  Discipline  Society — Letter 
from  Mr.  E.  Lord,  317 

CHAPTER  XVUI. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

Sermons — Preacher's  Manual — Analysis  of  Rhetorical  Delivery — Rhe- 
torical Reader — Lectures— Owen  on  Spiritual  Mindediiess — Do.  on 
cxx.\.  Psalm — Miscellaneous  writings,  373 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
CONCLUSION. 


Remarks— Views  of  Dr.  Porter's  character — Comparative  exemption 
from  faults— Remarks — Epitaph,  391 


MEMOIR. 


CHAPTER  I. 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF  HON.  THOMAS  PORTKR. 

Design  and  utility  of  biography — Birth — Early  life — Settlement  in 
Cornwall,  Conn. — Removal  to  Vermont — Civil  offices — Retire- 
ment from  public  life — Mental,  moral,  and  Christian  chaiacter — 
Retains  his  faculties  to  extreme  age — Last  letter — Decease. 

It  was  a  happy  device  of  the  ancients,  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  those  whom  they  loved  or  admired,  by 
preserving  their  statues  in  their  dwellings  and  places  of 
public  resort.  There  is  something  akin  to  this  practice, 
in  the  delineation  of  departed  worth  by  the  pen  of 
biography ;  something  much  better  adapted  permanently 
to  secure  in  the  highest  degree  the  results  at  which  it 
aimed.  The  chisel  or  the  pencil  may  delineate  noble 
features,  may  forcibly  express  characteristic  energy  and 
fire,  or  benevolence  and  kindness;  may  in  a  word  mould 
a  form  before  which  the  observer  bows  with  admiration. 
By  these  means  the  skilful  artist  may  group  together 
the  most  impressive  personages  or  events  of  a  passing 
scene.  Biography  docs  not  present  the  form,  indeed,  in 
its  actual  proportions ;  does  not  present  the  features 
glowing  with  life,  the  eye  seeing,  the  lips  impatient  to 
speak  ;  but  it  does  more, — it  does  that  which  the  highest 
skill  of  sculpture  and  painting  cannot  reach.  It  follows 
2 


14 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


the  man  in  his  course  through  life ;  presents  him  in 
prosperity  and  adversity,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  in 
employment  and  relaxation.  It  tells  us  of  qualities  which 
the  countenance  cannot  express — qualities  implanted  by 
Sovereign  Grace  ;  of  a  life  of  holy  feeling  and  action, 
and  of  enjoyments  inseparable  from  them.  It  brings  the 
portraiture  to  the  fireside  and  the  closet,  and  calls  us  to 
free,  intimate,  unrestrained  communion  with  departed 
wisdom  and  piety.  It  tells  us  by  what  efforts  these 
qualities  were  acquired  or  nurtured.  It  tells  us  of  spirit- 
ual conflicts,  and  bids  us  admire  and  lean  upon  that 
grace  which  won  the  victory.  In  it  as  in  a  glass  we 
see  ourselves — what  we  are,  and  what  we  should  be.  Is 
the  portrait  that  of  the  unregenerate  ? — It  teaches  us  that 
"  sin  is  exceedingly  sinful,"  however  prepossessing  the 
habiliments  in  which  it  is  arrayed.  Is  it  that  of  him  who 
has  attained  the  "  fullness  of  the  stature  of  a  perfect  man 
in  Christ?" — We  are  admonished  of  neglected  duty;  are 
invited,  urged,  allured  to  its  performance.  He,  who 
"  being  dead  yet  speaketh,"  leads  the  way.  Are  our 
hearts  susceptible  of  salutary  impressions? — It  matters 
little  what  was  the  vocation,  or  what  the  circumstances 
of  the  departed. 

"  With  moistened  eye 
We  read  of  faith  and  purest  charily, 
In  Statesman,  Priest,  and  humble  citizen." 


Several  months  previous  to  his  decease,  Dr.  Porter  in- 
formed the  writer  that  he  intended  to  prepare  for  publica- 
tion, a  brief  sketch  of  the  life  and  character  of  his  honored 
father.  He  had  to  some  extent  collected  the  materials ; 
though  in  consequence  of  ill  health  and  the  pressure  of 
official  and  other  engagements,  he  had  done  nothing  fur- 
ther towards  its  preparation.  It  seems  but  a  just  tribute 
to  the  venerable  father,  and  a  reasonable  compliance  with 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


15 


the  wishes  of  the  son,  that  such  a  sketch,  though  lacking 
the  completeness  which  that  son  would  have  imparted  to 
it,  should  be  given  to  the  public.  This  cannot  perhaps 
be  done  under  any  circumstances  so  well  adapted  to 
clothe  it  with  interest,  as  in  connection  with  the  Memoir 
of  the  son. 

The  Hon.  Thomas  Porter  was  one  of  the  few  who 
outlive  their  generation  ;  who,  though  they  once  filled 
a  large  space  in  the  public  eye,  are  comparatively 
forgotten  in  the  tranquillity  of  private  life,  because 
others  occupy  the  places  of  those  with  whom  they 
were  associated  in  counsel  and  labor.  He  was  born 
in  Farmington,  Connecticut,  February  3,  1734,  O.  S. 
He  bore  the  name  of  his  great  grandfather,  who  emi- 
grated from  England,  and  was  one  of  the  original  pro- 
prietors of  Faruiingfon.  His  father,  on  his  dying  bed, 
committed  to  him  the  direction  of  his  affairs,  charging 
him  especially  to  maintain  family  worship,  and  as  he  was 
the  oldest  son,  though  he  was  but  seventeen  years  of  age, 
to  set  a  godly  example  before  his  younger  brothers  and 
sisters.  This  last  charge,  as  he  was  not  then  pious,  he 
felt  unprepared  to  obey;  yet  filial  reverence  and  affection 
constrained  him  to  make  the  attempt.  By  the  blessing  of 
God,  his  obedience  was  productive  of  spiritual  benefit  to 
himself.  As  he  led  the  morning  and  evening  devotions 
of  a  circle  which  from  infancy  had  been  taught  to  join 
in  a  father's  confessions  and  supplications,  he  felt  the 
solemnity  of  the  duty  with  which  he  was  charged,  and  the 
responsibility  of  the  relations  he  sustained ;  he  felt  his 
own  guilt  and  insufficiency,  and  repaired  to  his  heavenly 
Father  for  pardon  and  aid.  He  used,  in  subsequent  life, 
to  refer  to  his  father's  dying  counsels,  especially  to  his 
charge  respecting  family  worship,  as  having  been  chiefly 
instrumental  in  his  conversion. 

In  May,  1757,  about  six  years  after  his  father's  decease, 


16 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


be  removed  to  Cornwall  in  his  native  State,  where  he 
purchased  a  farm;  and  in  June,  1758,  he  was  married  to 
Abigail  Howe.  Respecting  his  residence  in  Cornwall, 
very  few  facts  of  much  interest  can  be  collected.  There 
is  evidence,  however,  from  various  military,  civil  and  ec- 
clesiastical offices  to  which  he  was  elected  by  his  fellow- 
citizens,  that  he  enjoyed  their  confidence  and  esteem. 
From  the  year  17G7,  while  he  continued  in  the  State, 
he  sustained  the  office  of  deacon  of  the  Congregational 
church  in  Cornwall ;  of  a  magistrate,  and  a  representative 
of  the  town  in  the  State  legislature. 

In  1779,  Judge  Porter  removed  to  Tinmouth,  in  the 
State  of  Vermont.  For  some  years  previous  to  his  re- 
moval, this  district  of  country,  which  had  long  been 
known  by  the  designation  of  "  New  Hampshire  Grants," 
and  which  was  even  then  thus  designated  by  all  but  its 
inhabitants,  had  hppn  in  violont  commotion,  because  of 
the  right  claimed  by  the  State  of  New  York,  to  hold  and 
dispose  of  tracts  of  land  which  had  been  sold  and  con- 
firmed to  their  occupants  by  the  authority  of  New  Hamp- 
shire. It  had  been  decided  by  the  king  of  Great  Britain, 
to  whom  the  disputed  territorial  limits  had  been  submitted 
by  the  contending  parties,  that  the  western  shore  of  Con- 
necticut river  bounded  the  territory  of  New  Hampshire, 
and  that  the  jurisdiction  of  the  territory  in  question  be- 
longed of  course  to  New  York.  The  government  of 
New  York  contended  that  this  decision  "  had  a  retro- 
spective operation,  and  determined  not  only  what  should 
thereafter  be,  but  what  always  had  been  the  eastern 
boundary  of  New  York,  and  that  consequently  the  grants 
which  had  been  made  by  the  governor  of  New  Hampshire 
were  void."*  A  strenuous  and  protracted  effort  was  made 
by  New  York  to  enforce  this  interpretation  of  the  royal 
decision,  even  in  the  face  of  a  subsequent  prohibition  by 
the  king,  of  interference  with  the  titles  given  by  New 


*  Vermont  State  Papers,  p.  20. 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


17 


Hampshire.  The  settlers  remonstrated,  but  their  remon- 
strances were  disregarded ;  they  petitioned,  but  were  not 
heard.  They  saw  themselves  liable  to  be  forcibly  dis- 
possessed of  property  which  to  them  was  exceedingly 
valuable,  and  to  be  thrown  unprotected  on  the  mercy  of 
masters  for  whom  they  had  little  affection.  In  this 
emergency  they  fearlessly  declared  that  they  would  never 
submit  to  the  usurpation  of  their  neighbors.  They 
leagued  together  and  made  the  best  preparation  their 
means  would  allow,  to  defend  their  rights  by  arms.  They 
organized  a  government;  established  courts  of  justice; 
and  made  other  arrangements  for  the  administration  of 
their  affairs  as  an  independent  State ;  and  with  as  much 
regularity  as  circumstances  admitted,  their  government 
was  in  a  course  of  administration  when  Judge  Porter 
removed  to  Vermont.  This  was  a  period  of  less  commo- 
tion, but  not  of  less  interest  than  the  preceding  ten  or 
fifteen  years.  He  was  immediately  called  by  his  fellow- 
citizens  to  act  a  prominent  part  in  the  affairs  of  his 
adopted  State.  Beside  being  appointed  a  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  chosen  to  several  responsible  offices  in  town, 
he  was,  in  1780,  the  year  after  his  removal  to  Tinmouth, 
elected  a  representative  to  the  State  legislature.  Of  that 
body  he  was  the  same  year  chosen  Speaker,  which  office 
he  held  during  three  successive  years,  the  whole  time  of 
his  continuance  in  the  house.  In  1783,  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  executive  council,  of  which  body  he  con- 
tinued a  member,  with  but  very  brief  if  any  intervals, 
till  his  retirement  from  public  life  in  1794,  when  he 
tendered  to  his  colleagues  the  following  resignation. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  and  House  of  Assembly, 

"  I  take  this  opportunity  to  express  the  grateful  sense 
I  have  of  the  honors  done  me  by  the  freemen  from  time 
to  time,  in  electing  me  a  councilor;  and  it  hath  been, 
2* 


18 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


perhaps,  as  agreeable  to  me  as  to  any  other  person,  to 
serve  the  public  in  that  capacity.  Yet  my  age,  and  other 
attending  circumstances,  incline  me  at  this  time  to  resign 
my  seat  in  council,  and  it  is  my  wish  to  spend  the  re- 
mainder of  my  time  in  private  life.  Yet  my  attachment 
to  the  interest  of  this  government  is  such,  that  tlie  free- 
men may  rest  assured  that  I  shall  use  the  small  share  of 
influence  that  I  may  have  in  private  life,  to  promote  the 
true  interest  and  welfare  of  this  State. 

"  And  now,  Mr.  Speaker,  as  a  member  of  the  council, 
I  would  take  my  leave  of  this  honorable  house  of  assem- 
bly, with  the  pleasing  hope  and  expectation  that  wisdom 
and  uprightness  will  mark  all  their  steps,  and  in  that  way 
meet  with  the  approbation  and  smiles  of  Heaven  to  the 
latest  posterity.  ^         Tno.  Porter." 

By  joint  vote  of  the  council,  and  house  of  assembly, 
he  was  honored  with  the  subjoined  reply. — 

"  Sir, — This  assembly,  sensible  of  the  uprightness  and 
sincerity  with  which  you  have  so  long  filled  the  office  of  a 
councilor  in  this  State,  regret  that  the  time  has  arrived 
when,  you  say,  the  infirmities  of  age  have  induced  you  to 
retire  to  the  private  walks  of  life.  In  the  name  of  the 
freemen,  they  thank  you  for  the  patriotic  firmness  with 
which  you  have,  for  a  long  series  of  years,  stepped  forth 
in  support  and  vindication  of  their  liberties.  Be  assured, 
Sir,  you  retire  with  the  approbation  of  your  country  for 
your  past  services,  and  their  ardent  wish  for  your  present 
and  future  felicity." 

While  Judge  Porter  was  serving  his  fellow-citizens  in 
the  capacity  of  a  legislator,  they  were  pleased  to  express 
their  estimation  of  his  talents,  and  their  approbation  of  his 
conduct,  by  calling  him  to  several  other  offices  of  high 
responsibility.    In  1781,  he  was  appointed  a  judge  of  the 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


19 


county  court  for  the  county  of  Rutland  ;  In  1784,  a  judge 
of  the  supreme  court,  in  which  office  he  served  till  1787; 
and  from  '87  he  was  again  a  judge  of  the  county  court 
till  he  resigned  in  1790.  In  1791,  he  was  a  member  of 
the  convention  which  approved  and  assented  to  the  con- 
stitution of  the  United  States,  preparatory  to  the  admis- 
sion of  Vermont  into  the  Union.  In  conversation  re- 
specting the  frequency  with  which  his  fellow-citizens  had 
been  pleased  to  demand  his  services  in  various  official 
stations,  he  remarked  that  he  believed  he  had  held  every 
civil  office  established  by  the  laws  of  Vermont,  excepting 
those  of  governor  and  lieutenant-governor. 

Connected  as  he  was  with  the  legislative  councils  of 
Vermont,  during  a  succession  of  years  after  she  had  de- 
clared herself  an  independent  State,  and  while  she  was 
seeking  from  congress  an  acknowledgment  of  her  sove- 
reignty, and  admission  into  the  Union ;  obliged  in  various 
instances,  in  his  official  capacity,  to  be  the  organ  of  com- 
munication between  the  state  and  general  governments, 
Judge  Porter  unavoidably  became  deeply  interested  in  po- 
litical affairs.  His  interest  rather  increased  than  abated, 
as  he  advanced  in  years.  While  he  was  in  principle  and 
action  a  republican,  he  was  a  decided  opposer  of  every 
thing  approaching  political  licentiousness.  While  he 
would  secure  his  own  rights,  he  would  consent  to  no 
form  of  government  which  did  not  on  equitable  principles 
equally  secure  the  rights  of  all.  His  political  feelings 
were  under  the  control  of  piety.  When  he  surveyed  his 
country,  it  was  with  the  eye  of  a  Christian.  When  he 
spoke  of  the  character  or  the  measures  of  those  in  au- 
thority, it  was  in  the  language  of  piety,  dictated  by 
unaffected  concern  respecting  their  influence  on  the 
well-being  of  Zion. 

Though  he  had  no  fondness  for  military  office,  he  early 
manifested  a  readiness  whenever  his  services  were  need- 


20 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


ed,  to  join  his  fellow-citizens  and  repair  to  the  scene  of 
danger.  lie  several  times  held  a  military  commission ; 
in  the  last  instance  as  captain  of  a  company  of  "  minute 
men"  in  the  war  of  the  revolution;  though  it  is  not  known 
that  he  was  ever  permanently  connected  with  any  military 
corps  in  active  service. 

In  stature,  Judge  Porter  was  somewhat  above  six  feet, 
and  in  person  was  uncommonly,  commanding.  His  man- 
ners were  easy  and  dignified;  his  address  conciliating. 
To  etiquette  in  his  intercourse  with  others,  he  was  pecu- 
liarly attentive ;  so  much  so,  that  even  in  very  advanced 
age,  he  used  among  his  friends  occasionally  to  animad- 
vert, with  much  severity,  on  the  negligence  which  in 
this  respect  he  often  observed.  His  whole  deportment 
was  characterized  by  simplicity  and  uniform  kindness. 

He  was  a  man  of  singular  prudence.  This  was  mani- 
fest both  in  the  management  of  his  private  affairs,  and  in 
the  discharge  of  official  duty.  Always  deliberate,  he  acted 
with  reference  to  some  distinct  and  worthy  end,  and  that 
he  might  attain  this  end,  he  was  accustomed,  before  com- 
mencing a  proposed  course  of  action,  to  calculate,  as  far  as 
human  foresight  could  reach,  the  bearings  and  conse- 
quences of  his  conduct.  His  plans  of  action  being  di- 
gested, they  were  pursued  with  the  same  deliberation  with 
which  they  were  formed.  Hence  he  was  rarely  accounted 
imprudent.  His  acquaintance  were  wont  to  confide  in 
his  counsel.  He  was  often  appealed  to  as  a  mediator,  in 
cases  of  difficulty,  in  which  capacity  his  practical  wisdom 
qualified  him  to  be  very  useful.  He  showed  himself, 
especially,  the  friend  of  the  oppressed  and  the  suffering. 

He  was  also  a  man  of  inflexible  integrity.  No  prospect 
of  advancing  his  secular  interests  could  induce  him  to 
compromise  with  dishonesty.  Though  with  the  divine 
blessing  he  acquired  an  ample  estate,  it  is  believed  that 
no  man  was  ever  disposed  to  charge  him  with  a  want  oi 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


21 


perfect  uprightness  in  his  dealings.  His  frequent  election 
to  places  of  honor  and  trust,  was  not  the  result  of  his  own 
seeking.  He  was  far  above  the  intrigue  and  machination 
to  which  those  who  are  advanced  to  office  often  owe  their 
elevation. 

His  character  was  not  less  marked  by  decision  and 
Jirnnicss.  By  his  fellow-citizens  it  was  understood  that 
he  would  follow  the  convictions  of  duty:  consequently,  if 
they  wished  him  to  advocate  their  claims,  they  had  first  to 
convince  him  that  those  claims  were  founded  in  justice. 
Whenever  called  to  act  in  concert  with  others,  these 
qualities  won  their  confidence.  They  were  equally  ob- 
servable in  the  government  of  his  family.  Here  his  de- 
cisions were  law.  He  aimed  particularly  to  impress  upon 
his  children  in  early  life, .the  restraints  of  piety,  and  to 
implant  the  principles  by  which  their  conduct  should  be 
governed  toward  uod  and  their  fellow-men.  This  he  did 
not  so  much  by  frequent,  personal  addresses  on  the  subject 
of  religion,  as  by  the  language  of  a  consistent,  holy  ex- 
ample. The  result  was,  that  his  influence,  sustained  by 
that  of  his  wife,  whose  views  and  feelings  happily  coin- 
cided with  his  own,  was  paramount  in  the  formation  of 
their  character.  To  this  influence,  his  son,  Dr.  Porter, 
repeatedly  and  gratefully  acknowledges  his  obligations. 
Alluding  to  it,  he  incidentally  remarks,  "  I  ascribe  it, 
under  Providence,  to  the  restraints  of  my  early  life,  to  the 
Christian  influence  of  an  excellent  father  and  mother,  that 
I  am  not  a  beggar,  or  an  infidel,  or  a  reprobate.  Of  the 
obligations  I  am  under  to  my  parents,  I  hope  always  to 
cherish  a  grateful  recollection." 

Judge  Porter  possessed  withal  exemplary  modesty.  He 
was  first  to  suspect  his  fitness  for  stations  of  high  respon- 
sibility, and  slow  to  admit  his  competency.  Content  that 
others  should  judge  of  his  worth,  he  was  commonly  in- 
clined to  make  liberal  deductions  from  their  estimate.  In 


22 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


his  ninety-fourth,  or  ninety-fifth  year,  he  began,  at  the 
earnest  solicitation  of  his  son,  a  brief  autobiography ;  but 
had  proceeded  only  a  few  pages,  when  extreme  solicitude, 
lest  the  attempt  should  by  some  be  attributed  to  arro- 
gance, induced  him  to  desist,  and  destroy  what  he  had 
written. 

Tliougli  he  enjoyed  in  early  life  no  other  than  common 
advantages  for  education,  his  thirst  for  knowledge  and  the 
facility  with  which  he  made  acquisitions,  qualified  him  to 
fill  his  place,  with  honor  to  himself  and  interest  to  others, 
in  the  society  of  educated  and  intelligent  men  ;  and  to 
preside,  to  the  acceptance  of  his  fellow-citizens,  in  the 
hall  of  legislation  and  in  the  court  of  justice,  during  a 
period  adapted  to  prove  alike  wisdom,  and  patience,  and 
intrepidity.  To  native  strength  of  mind,  he  added  prac- 
tical knowledge  and  a  degree  of  mental  discipline,  which 
rendered  him,  at  times,  botli  attractive  ana  powerful  m 
debate. 

But  the  predominant  excellence  of  Judge  Porter  was 
his  piety.  It  was  enlightened.  For  many  years  he  had 
contemplated  with  painful  interest  the  perishing  condition 
of  his  fellow-men;  had  watched,  especially,  the  gradual 
encroachments  of  irreligion  on  institutions  which,  from 
infancy,  he  had  regarded  as  sacred  and  invaluable.  When 
therefore,  in  the  evening  of  life,  he  saw  organizations 
springing  into  being  to  ameliorate  this  condition,  to  per- 
petuate and  extend  these  institutions,  he  felt  that  the 
desire  of  his  heart  had  been  granted;  that  "his  eyes  had 
seen  the  salvation  of  God."  lie  felt  no  jealousy  of  the 
efforts  of  Christians  because  they  were  new,  but  was  pre- 
pared to  lend  every  organization  based  on  the  principles 
of  the  gospel,  his  cordial  support. 

His  piety  was  active.  It  has  already  been  remarked, 
that  soon  after  his  settlement  in  Cornwall,  Conn.,  he  was 
chosen  a  deacon  of  the  church  in  that  town,  and  officiated 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


23 


in  that  capacity  during  his  continuance  in  the  State.  On 
his  removal  to  Vermont  he  was  immediately  chosen  a 
deacon  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Tinmouth.  The 
duties  of  this  station  he  continued  to  discharge  to  ad- 
vanced age,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  his  oldest  son, 
Thomas  Porter.*  The  following  statement,  in  the  hand- 
writing of  Dr.  Porter,  records  an  instance  of  activity  and 
fidelity  in  an  officer  of  the  church,  as  rare  it  is  to  be 
feared,  as  it  is  worthy  of  imitation. — "  My  father  informed 
me  that  for  fifteen  years  after  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Osborn, 
Tinmouth  enjoyed  only  occasional  preaching.  The  rest 
of  the  time  he  read  sermons,  and  prayed  himself,  and  kept 
up  the  worship  of  God  without  assistance,  and  without  the 
interruption  even  of  a  single  Sabbath.  During  this  time 
he  was  never  once  absent  on  the  Sabbath." 

Several  of  Judge  Porter's  letters  to  his  children  are 
preserved,  which  breathe  unusually  deep  and  constant 
religious  feeling.  With  few  exceptions  they  are  devoted 
almost  exclusively  to  religious  topics.  His  letters  to  his 
pon,  Dr.  Porter,  for  several  years  after  he  entered  the 
ministry,  are  chiefly  confined  to  the  importance  of  his 
ofiice,  and  contain  exhortations  to  diligence  and  faithful- 
ness, which  we  may  reasonably  suppose  exerted  a  salutary 
influence  on  his  future  character  and  usefulness.  In 
nearly  every  letter  he  describes  particularly  the  state  of 
religion  in  Tinmouth ;  mentions  minutely  the  causes 
which  in  his  view  were  producing  and  perpetuating 
spiritual  declension,  or  awakening  Christians  to  activity; 

*  This  son,  at  whose  house  the  venerable  father  died,  survived 
his  parent  but  a  week.  The  day  after  his  father's  decease,  he  pre- 
pared for  the  Vermont  Chronicle  a  brief  obituary  sketch,  when  he 
was  himself  violently  attacked  with  a  fever;  lingered  a  few  days, 
and  expired.  Dea.  Porter  for  many  3'ears,  while  a  resident  of 
Tinmouth,  exerted  an  extensive  and  happy  influence  as  a  member 
and  ofhcer  of  the  church,  and  repeatedly  represented  the  town  in 
the  State  legislature. 


24 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


as  though  by  his  own  example,  he  would  incite  his  son 
to  similar  habits  of  observation.  No  other  blessing  is 
alluded  to  in  his  letters  so  frequently,  and  with  so  full  a 
measure  of  gratitude,  as  the  grace  of  God  manifest  in  the 
hopeful  renewal  of  all  his  children  but  one.  Respecting 
this  child,  though  he  rarely  gave  utterance  to  his  feelings, 
occasional  expressions  betrayed  intense  solicitude.  Evi- 
dently struggling  with  inexpressible  emotion,  a  few  months 
before  his  death,  he  asked  a  friend  standing  at  his  bed- 
side, as  though  fearful  that  his  solicitude  was  sinful,  "  To 
what  extent  is  a  father's  anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  an 
unconverted  child,  consistent  with  Christian  submission?" 

The  piety  which  so  happily  controlled  his  life.  Judge 
Porter  found  a  rich  source  of  consolation  in  affliction.  In 
the  79th  year  of  his  age,  he  was  called  to  part  with  his 
wife,  who,  with  a  spirit  kindred  to  his  own,  had  been  a 
bright  example  of  the  power  of  godliness.  At  her  decease, 
the  bereaved  husband,  having  already  passed  the  appointed 
limit  of  human  life,  supposed  that  the  time  of  his  own 
departure  was  at  hand,  and  he  was  "  in  a  strait  betwixt 
two,  having  a  desire  to  depart."  In  a  letter  subsequently 
written,  he  remarks,  that  "  all  his  enjoyment  arose  from 
communion  with  God,  and  that  he  was  sustained  by  evi- 
dence of  preparation  for  the  rest  of  heaven." 

We  cannot  with  propriety  omit  a  passing  notice  of  the 
state  of  society,  in  which  the  germ  of  the  character  we 
are  contemplating,  received  the  training  that  determined 
its  future  form  and  growth.  Dr.  Porter  elicited  from  his 
father,  then  in  the  93d  year  of  his  age,  the  following  facts, 
which  were  recorded  nearly  in  the  words  of  the  venerable 
narrator.  They  are  transcribed  as  reminiscences  of  days 
gone  by  ;  of  usages  which  secured  for  Connecticut  the 
honorable  appellation — "the  land  of  steady  habits." — 
"  Judge  Porter  was  accustomed,  in  childhood,  to  see  his 
parents  pay  so  strict  a  regard  to  the  Sabbath,  that  all  the 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


25 


labor  which  it  was  possible  to  do,  even  towards  the  prepa- 
ration of  food  for  that  day,  was  done  on  Saturday.  Before 
sunset,  Saturday  evening,  the  vegetables  were  washed,  the 
pudding,  (an  indispensable  part  of  every  dinner,)  was  pre- 
pared, and  a  piece  of  meat  made  ready  for  the  Sabbath. 
Though  Saturday  evening  was  generally  regarded  as  holy 
time.  Sabbath  evening  was  religiously  observed.  None 
were  permitted  to  stroll  about  the  streets  for  visiting  or 
other  unnecessary  purposes.  The  laws  requiring  the 
observance  of  the  Sabbath  were  rigidly  enforced  by  the 
tithingmen.  Great  regard  was  entertained  for  the  services 
of  the  sanctuary,  and  they  were  punctually  attended, 
though  neither  wheel-carriages  nor  sleighs  were  in  use.* 
The  Westminster  Assembly's  Catechism  was  taught  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  in  the  common  school.  There  was  but 
one  public  school  in  the  society  in  which  he  resided,  but  this 
was  well  sustained  through  the  year,  being  kept  in  winter 
by  a  man  ;  in  summer  by  a  female.  Family  worship  was 
so  commonly  practised,  that  in  his  native  town  it  was 

*  The  following  reminiscences,  though  somewhat  miscellaneous, 
may  interest  the  reader. 

In  the  meeting-house  of  Farmington,  the  children,  that  they 
might  be  under  the  inspection  both  of  their  parents  and  the  min- 
ister, were  ranged  along  the  principal  aisle,  on  seats  prepared  for 
that  purpose.  When  the  minister  entered,  the  congregation  rose  in 
token  of  respect. 

Judge  Porter  believed  that  before  he  was  twenty  years  old,  it 
was  a  very  general  practice  of  Christians  in  Connecticut  to  ask  a 
blessing  at  table,  in  a  sitting  posture  ;  afterwards,  without  discus- 
sion, so  far  as  he  knew,  the  practice  of  standing  became  equally 
general. 

During  his  youth  there  was  no  lawyer  in  the  society  in  which  he 
resided,  chiefly,  as  he  thought,  because  none  was  needed. 

Jumping,  running,  and  wrestling,  were  the  principal  recreations 
of  iiis  youth  ;  these  were  so  much  in  vogue,  as  in  some  instances 
almost  to  become  the  standard  of  merit. 

Judge  Porter  never  saw  a  potatoe  till  ho  was  twenty  years  old. 
Previously,  turnips  were  generally  used. 

3 


26 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


thought  disreputable  for  a  young  man,  when  married  and 
settled  in  life,  to  neglect  it.  To  ardent  spirits  he  was  in 
childhood  and  youth  almost  a  stranger.  They  were  very 
little  used  in  Farmington  ;  in  no  case  as  a  common  drink. 
He  did  not  recollect,  that  during  the  first  half  of  his  life, 
he  ever  saw  spirits  carried  into  the  field  for  laborers.  As 
might  have  been  expected,  where  Christian  institutions 
were  so  reverently  observed,  vice  was  discountenanced, 
and  the  morals  of  the  community  were,  in  general, 
blameless." 

Very  few  men  retain  their  bodily  and  mental  powers  to 
advanced  age,  so  unimpaired  as  were  those  of  Judge 
Porter.  Having  possessed  an  unusually  vigorous  constitu- 
tion, he  enjoyed  uniform  health,  with  scarce  an  interruption 
of  a  day,  till  the  last  year  of  his  life.  He  used  to  remark, 
that  "  until  his  'fifty-third  year,  he  knew  not  that  he  had 
ever  experienced  fatigue ;  that  he  did  not  recollect  the 
day,  previous  to  that  time,  when,  at  the  close  of  a  day's 
labor,  he  did  not  feel  as  well  able  to  proceed  with  his 
work,  as  if  he  had  enjoyed  the  best  opportunity  for 
repose."  His  youngest  son  informed  the  writer,  that  his 
father,  at  the  age  of  eighty-five,  would  take  his  scythe 
and  go  into  the  field,  in  company  with  others,  and  without 
any  apparent  fatigue,  perform  as  much  labor  for  half  a 
day  as  any  of  his  companions.  Although  he  made  such 
a  disposition  of  his  property  as  to  be  exempt  from  the 
necessity  of  labor,  it  was  his  recreation  long  after  the 
period  just  named,  to  spend  a  part  of  each  day  in  some 
useful  employment  on  the  farm,  devoting  the  remainder  of 
the  day  to  reading,  of  which  he  was  enthusiastically  fond. 
About  a  year  before  his  death,  he  rode  forty-five  miles  in 
a  single  day  to  visit  a  daughter.  To  the  inquiries  of  his 
friends  respecting  his  health,  he  usually  replied,  "  I 
enjoy  as  good  health  as  I  ever  did,  excepting  the  infirmi- 
ties of  age."    He  uniformly  regarded  death,  however,  as 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


27 


near  at  hand.  Being  aware  that  very  aged  persons  often 
drop  away  without  premonitory  illness,  he  used,  for  years, 
to  say,  that  when  he  "  laid  his  head  upon  his  pillow, 
and  closed  his  eyes  in  sleep,  he  expected  to  awake  in 
eternity." 

Of  the  extent  to  which  he  retained  his  mental  faculties, 
the  following  letter,  written  in  his  99th  year,  affords  an 
illustration.  It  was  addressed  to  a  grandson  and  his  wife 
in  Michigan,  to  whom  he  was  much  attached. 

My  dear  Grandchildren, 

"  I  have  such  evidence  of  the  overruling  provi- 
dence of  God,  that  I  believe  there  is  nothing  in  this  world 
which  is  not  under  the  superintendence  of  that  provi- 
dence. You  have  been  under  its  protection  ever  since 
you  have  been  on  the  journey  of  life,  and  you  have  great 
reason  for  gratitude  and  thankfulness  to  the  Giver  of  all 
your  mercies. 

"  It  is  so  difficult  for  me  to  write,  and  will  be  so  diffi- 
cult for  you  to  read  my  letter,  that  I  shall  omit  every  thing 
of  a  worldly  nature  ;   only  I  advise  you,  if  you  meet  with 

embarrassments,  to  apply  to  Judge  C  for  aid,  and  I 

trust  he  will  be  willing  to  assist  you  by  advice  or  other- 
wise. I  shall  confine  myself  principally  to  family  religion. 
If  you  have  arri%ed  at  your  expected  place  of  residence,  I 
advise  you  to  adopt  Joshua's  resolution,  that  you  and  your 
household  will  serve  the  Lord,  the  living  God.  I  advise 
you  to  set  up  and  maintain  family  religion,  reading  some 
part  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  every  morning,  with  prayers 
morning  and  evening. — Christ  said  to  his  disciples,  and 
now  says  to  you,  '  Enter  into  thy  closet,  shut  thy  door,  and 
pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret,  and  thy  Father 
which  seeth  in  secret  shall  reward  thee  openly.'  Any 
place,  retired  from  the  world,  will  answer  for  a  closet  for 
Christ  Jesus.    I  advise  you  to  withdraw  from  the  world 


28 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


and  spend  some  time  in  prayer  and  meditation.    I  have 

understood  that  when  you  was  at  C  school,  you  was 

a  subject  of  awakening  and  of  hopeful  conversion  ;  it  was 
the  best  news  I  ever  heard  ; — but  that  you  have  since 
lived  like  the  rest  of  the  world.  I  hope  you  will  find 
pleasure  in  religion,  and  go  on  your  way  rejoicing.  If 
religion  is  burdensome,  you  have  reason  to  conclude  that 
your  heart  is  not  right  in  the  sight  of  God.  Pray  earnestly 
for  a  right  frame  of  mind.  Nearness  to  God  in  duty  is 
the  greatest  satisfaction  the  Christian  ever  enjoys.  Let 
not  the  world  engage  your  whole  attention  ;  you  may 
live  comfortably  with  a  small  portion  of  this  world,  but 
without  religion  you  cannot  be  happy. 

"  I  firmly  believe  you  would  be  glad  to  add  something 
to  my  comfort  in  my  old  age.  There  is  nothing  you  can 
do  that  will  add  so  much  to  my  comfort,  as  to  furnish  me 
good  evidence  that  you  and  your  family  are  engaged  in 
religion.  I  do  not  know  what  religious  privileges  you 
enjoy,  but  I  do  not  expect  you  will  be  favored  with 
preaching  for  some  time.  If  you  are  destitute  of  preach- 
ing, I  advise  you,  if  you  have  religious  neighbors,  to  meet 
upon  the  Sabbath,  and  pray  and  read  the  Scriptures,  or 
other  books  on  divinity.  But  if  you  cannot  be  favored 
with  such  meetings,  I  advise  you  to  withdraw  from  worldly 
concerns,  for  reading,  prayer,  and  meditation. 

"  A  word  to  N  .    Dear  N  ,  I  advise  you  to 

assist  your  dear  husband  in  the  important  duties  of  family 
religion.  I  expect  the  adversary  will  be  casting  stumbling- 
blocks  in  the  way  of  religious  duty  ;  you  must  remove 
them.  If  you  should  be  blessed  with  a  family  of  children, 
join  hand  in  hand  in  traii\ing  them  up  in  the  fear  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord.  Let  not  the  world  prevent  your 
attending  to  the  one  thing  needful.  If  these  few  lines 
should  reach  you,  you  will  trace  in  them  a  striking  evi- 
dence of  the  effects  of  old  age  on  the  human  frame.    It  is 


HON.  THOMAS  PORTER. 


29 


so  difficult  for  me  to  see  and  to  write,  that  I  must  close 
with  this  advice  : — keep  near  to  God  in  duty,  and  God 
will  be  near  to  you  with  a  blessing.  I  shall  commit  each 
of  you  to  the  care  and  keeping  of  that  God,  who  hath 
promised  to  protect  and  bless  all  that  put  their  trust  in 
him.  Live  in  love,  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of  love  and 
peace  be  with  you. 

"  I  must  bid  you  adieu  by  subscribing  myself  your  aged 
and  affectionate  grandfather, 

"  Thomas  Porter." 

An  equally  clear  indication,  perhaps,  of  the  remarkable 
degree  to  which  Judge  Porter  retained  his  mental  facul- 
ties, was  his  correct  perception  of  their  gradual  decay. 
Of  such  perception,  indeed,  he  used  modestly  to  acknowl- 
edge himself  incapable.  "  I  feel,"  says  he  in  a  letter  to 
his  son,  several  years  before  his  death,  "  I  feel  my  strength 
decaying,  but  I  consider  myself  incompetent  to  judge  of 
the  failure  of  my  mental  faculties."  Consequently,  towards 
the  close  of  his  life,  he  was  rarely  heard  to  express  an 
opinion  in  regard  to  secular  concerns,  which  might  by 
others  be  called  in  question,  and  might  be  imputed  to  a 
lack  of  judgment.  He  would  sometimes  say,  respecting 
the  miscalculations  of  others,  "  I  saw  they  were  wrong, 
but  did  not  express  my  conviction,  because  they  were 
sanguine,  and  would  have  deemed  my  opinion  of  no 
value."  The  first  certain  indication  which  he  discovered 
of  the  decay  of  his  faculties,  was,  to  use  his  own  expres- 
sion, "  an  inability  to  cast  figures  in  his  head,  as  he  had 
formerly  done." 

He  was  wholly  exempt  from  the  peevishness,  common 
to  advanced  age.  Every  attention  from  his  friends  was 
gratefully  received.  It  was  rare  indeed  that  any  designed 
act  of  kindness  done  for  him,  did  not  seem  to  meet  his 
full  approbation.  It  was  even  more  rare  that  he  uttered 
3* 


30 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH. 


an  expression  of  dissatisfaction.  The  last  years  of  his  life 
he  manifested  affecting  solicitude  lest  he  should  be  a 
burden  to  his  friends.  While  spending  a  few  months  with 
his  youngest  daughter,  about  a  year  before  his  death,  she 
found  him  several  times  in  tears.  When  she  kindly 
inquired  the  cause  of  his  grief,  he  would  reply,  "  I  fear, 
my  daughter,  I  occasion  you  more  trouble  than  your  feeble 
health  will  enable  you  to  sustain."  His  son,  at  whose 
house  he  died,  remarks  in  his  obituary,  that  "  during 
several  months  of  entire  helplessness,  previous  to  his 
decease,  not  a  murmuring  word  escaped  his  lips." 

For  some  years.  Judge  Porter  stood  alone.  He  knew 
not  that  one  companion  of  his  childhood  or  youth  sur- 
vived. He  regarded  himself  as  belonging  to  a  past  age — 
a  man  of  another  generation  ;  and  he  desired  that  "  his 
earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  might  be  dissolved,  that 
lie  might  be  clothed  upon  with  his  house  which  is  from 
heaven."  He  longed  to  depart,  that  he  might  be  reunited 
with  his  early  friends  in  the  holy  and  perfect  services  and 
enjoyments  of  heaven.  The  vital  current  ceased  to  flow, 
not  because  obstructed  by  disease,  but  because  the  foun- 
tain, which  had  so  long  fed  it,  was  exhausted.  He  came 
to  his  "  grave  in  a  full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh 
in  his  season."  He  died  at  the  house  of  his  son,  in  Gran- 
ville, New  York,  May  30,  1833,  aged  ninety-nine  yeaks 

AND  three  months. 


CHAPTER  II. 


LIFE    OF    EBENEZER  POUTER. 

Birtii  —  Childhood  —  Classical  education  —  Profession  of  religion  — 
Theological  studies  and  license  to  preach  —  Calls  to  several 
places — Ordination  at  Washington — Marriage. 

Ebenezer  Porter  was  the  third  son  of  the  Hon, 
Thomas  Porter,  the  subject  of  the  preceding  sketch. 
Besides  his  older  brothers,  the  family  consisted  of  three 
sisters  older,  and  one  brother  younger  than  himself  He 
was  born  at  Cornwall,  Connecticut,  Oct.  5,  1772,  and 
removed  with  his  father  to  Tinmouth,  Vermont,  in  1779. 
In  childhood,  he  was  distinguished  only  by  loveliness  of 
disposition  and  propriety  of  deportment.  His  principles 
of  action  began  very  early  to  be  formed  under  judicious 
parental  training ;  and  to  this,  doubtless,  is  chiefly  to 
be  attributed  the  uniform  correctness  of  his  early  con- 
duct. A  single  instance  of  his  mother's  instruction  he 
used  to  mention  as  having  probably  exerted  a  controlling 
influence  in  the  formation  of  his  character.  While  very 
young,  having  one  day  received  an  injury  from  some  of 
his  mates,  he  went  directly  to  his  mother  to  unbosom  his 
grief.  She  said,  "My  son,  treat  your  companions  kindly 
in  return,  and  you  will  heap  coals  of  fire  on  their  heads." 
This  precept,  if  not  new  to  his  young  mind,  had  never 
before  attracted  his  attention.  He  pondered  it,  and  was 
enabled,  as  he  hoped,  to  make  it  a  permanent  principle 
of  action. 


32 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


As  he  early  manifested  a  fondness  for  books,  and  a 
desire  to  obtain  a  thorough  education,  his  parents  cheer- 
fully furnished  every  facility  in  their  power  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  his  wishes.  He  commenced  his  classical 
studies  when  twelve  years  of  age,  with  his  brother  in  law, 
Rev.  Benjamin  Osborn,  then  minister  of  Tinmouth,  and 
afterward  pursued  them,  until  prepared  for  college,  at 
Bennington,  Vt.,  a  resident  in  the  family  of  Rev.  Dr. 
Swift.  He  entered  Dartmouth  college  in  1788.  Though 
his  health  during  part  of  his  college  life  was  feeble,  he 
pursued  the  prescribed  course  of  study,  and  graduated 
with  his  class  in  1792.  While  a  member  of  college  he 
was  distinguished  for  love  of  order,  and  cheerful  obedience 
to  established  regulations.  His  standing  as  a  scholar  in- 
dicated respectable  intellectual  endowments,  and  habits  of 
diligent  and  patient  application.  Says  one  of  his  class- 
mates, "  he  was  much  distinguished  as  a  scholar  while  in 
college.  He  joined  college  when  young. — I  perfectly  well 
remember  his  appearance  at  that  time.  His  face  was 
then  round,  his  hair  very  light  as  well  as  his  complexion, 
and  his  whole  appearance  exceedingly  youthful,  fair,  and 
prepossessing.  As  a  speaker  he  was  even  at  that  time 
much  admired."  When  he  graduated,  he  delivered  the 
valedictory  oration.  It  was  during  his  junior  year  at 
college,  that  he  received  his  first  permanent  religious 
impressions. 

Having  arrived  at  manhood,  many  of  his  characteristics, 
bodily  and  mental,  bore  a  striking  resemblance  to  those  of 
his  father. 

"  All  but  the  wrinkles  and  the  hairs 
Were  copied  in  the  eon." 

He  was  about  six  feet  in  height,  and  in  person  well  pro- 
portioned. His  face  was  thin ;  his  forehead  high ;  his 
nose  well  formed  and  rather  prominent ;  his  eyes  gray,  of 


LIFE. 


33 


a  bluish  cast,  and  es^pressive  of  mildness,  benevolence, 
and  decision.  Though  there  was  nothing  very  striking  in 
his  features,  his  countenance  distinctly  indicated  intelli- 
gence, firmness,  and  energy. 

After  leaving  college,  he  spent  some  months  at  Wash- 
ington, Conn.,  in  teaching,  in  which  employment  his 
services  were  highly  acceptable.  During  this  period  he 
made  a  profession  of  religion,  uniting  with  the  church  of 
which  he  afterwards  became  the  pastor,  then  under  the 
care  of  Rev.  Noah  Merwin.  His  theological  studies  he 
pursued  under  the  direction  of  Rev.  Dr.  Smalley,  of 
Berlin,  Conn.,  and  received  license  to  preach  in  1794. 
He  commenced  his  labors  as  a  preacher,  by  supplying,  for 
a  few  weeks,  the  pulpit  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hooker,  of  Goshen, 
while  he  was  absent  on  a  tour  of  missionary  service.  He 
first  preached  as  a  candidate  at  South  Britain,  during  the 
last  part  of  1794,  and  the  first  part  of  1795,  from  which 
place  he  received  a  call  to  settle.  About  this  time,  the 
decease  of  Rev.  Mr.  Merwin,  of  Washington,  occasioned 
a  vacancy,  for  the  supply  of  which,  the  attention  of  that 
people  was  at  once  turned  to  Mr.  Porter.  Having  de- 
clined the  invitation  from  South  Britain,  he  consented  to 
preach  at  Washington  a  few  weeks,  though  it  would  seem 
without  any  intention  of  finding  a  settlement  there.  The 
mutual  attachment,  however,  which  commenced  during 
his  previous  residence  among  that  people,  was  increased 
by  his  intercourse  with  them  as  a  candidate  ;  and  Tie  soon 
received  an  invitation  to  become  their  minister.  Respect- 
ing this  call,  he  wrote  to  one  of  his  relatives : — "  Though 
Washington  has  become  to  me  a  peculiarly  agreeable 
place  of  residence,  and  though  I  should  choose  it  on  many 
accounts  before  almost  any  place  for  a  home,  I  cannot 
remain  here  unless  some  circumstances  attending  the 
call  are  changed."  Accordingly,  he  returned  a  negative 
answer.    A  few  Sabbaths  following  he  spent  at  Salisbury, 


34 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


where  he  was  also  favored  with  an  urgent  invitation  to 
settle.  During  his  stay  at  Salisbury,  the  people  of  Wash- 
ington renewed  their  proposals,  with  such  modifications  as 
he  felt  constrained  to  accept.  He  immediately  returned 
to  Washington  ;  and  as  a  text  for  his  first  discourse, 
selected  the  words  of  Peter : — "  Therefore  came  I  unto 
you  without  gainsaying,  as  soon  as  I  was  sent  for :  I  ask, 
therefore,  for  what  intent  ye  have  sent  for  me?"  This 
discourse  was  often  referred  to  by  those  who  heard  it,  as 
having  set  forth,  in  a  manner  adapted  permanently  to 
affect  their  hearts,  the  relations  and  the  reciprocal  duties 
of  a  minister  and  his  people.  He  was  ordained  Sept.  6, 
1796,  having  nearly  attained  his  twenty-fourth  year;  and 
in  May  following,  was  married  to  Miss  Lucy  Pierce 
Merwin,  the  eldest  daughter  of  his  predecessor. 


CHAPTER  III. 


Settled  purpose  of  continuing  in  Washington — Pastoral  labors  and 
their  effects — Meeting-house  burned — Another  erected — Instruc- 
tion of  theological  students — Health  impaired  by  labors — Defi- 
ciency in  salary — Correspondence  on  the  subject — Council  called 
— Address  from  young  men — Meeting  of  council  and  result — 
Services  desired  at  other  places — His  feelings— Klected  a  mem- 
ber of  C.  A.  S. — Elected  a  trustee  of  Conn.  Mis.  Soc. — Attends 
Gen.  Assembly  Pres.  Church — Invitation  to  Dutch  Church  at 
Albany — Request  to  preach  election  sermon. 

FnoM  the  moment  of  Mr.  Porter's  acceptance  of  the  call 
from  Washington,  it  seems  to  have  been  his  purpose  there 
to  spend  his  days.  With  this  purpose  he  formed  his  plan 
of  action ;  a  plan  sufficiently  extensive  to  embrace  the 
labors  of  a  life  of  unwearied  diligence.  In  the  execution 
of  this  plan,  he  seems  to  have  pursued  study,  to  have  per- 
formed parochial  labor,  to  have  tasked  every  energy,  with 
a  confident  anticipation  that  results  would  correspond 
with  his  efforts.  As  it  is  proposed  in  another  connec- 
tion to  exhibit,  at  some  length,  his  mode  of  pastoral 
labor,  it  is  sufficient  here  to  remark,  that  though  no 
special  manifestation  of  the  divine  presence  and  power 
amounting  to  a  general  revival  of  religion,  signalized  the 
first  years  of  his  ministry,  he  had  cheering  evidence  that 
his  instrumentality  was  owned  of  God,  in  the  occurrence 
of  frequent  cases  of  hopeful  conversion,  and  in  a  gradual, 


36 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


yet  constant  and  very  considerable,  increase  of  his  church 
both  in  numbers  and  piety.  A  happy  change  was  soon 
perceptible,  also,  in  the  intellectual  and  moral  character 
of  the  youth  of  his  charge.  His  parish  presented  to  the 
eye  indubitable  indications  of  faithful,  skilful,  and  un- 
tiring spiritual  husbandry ;  indications  that  it  enjoyed  the 
culture  of  a  "  workman  that  needed  not  to  be  ashamed." 

A  few  years  after  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Porter,  an  in- 
sane person  set  fire  to  his  meeting-house,  and  it  was  saved 
only  by  extraordinary  exertions.  As  it  was  not  known 
how  the  fire  originated,  the  incendiary  was  left  at  liberty. 
The  damages  the  building  had  sustained,  were  scarcely 
repaired,  when  the  same  person  kindled  another  fire  in 
such  a  position  as  to  render  all  efforts  to  extinguish  it 
unavailing,  and  the  edifice  was  reduced  to  ashes.  The 
Sabbath  following,  the  pastor  addressed  his  bereaved 
flock  from  the  injunction  of  the  Apostle,  Let  brotherly 
love  continue  ;  and  administered,  in  a  temporary  place  of 
worship,  the  sacramental  symbols  which  his  church  had 
hoped  to  participate  in  the  sanctuary  where  their  fathers 
worshipped.  The  indispensableness  of  mutual  forbear- 
ance and  affection  was  urged  upon  his  people,  especially 
with  reference  to  the  work  of  erecting  another  house  for 
God.  He  presented  before  them  the  example  of  Nehe- 
miah  ;  reminded  them  of  their  obligations  to  imitate  his 
energy,  his  zeal,  and  perseverance,  and  bade  them  do 
their  duty.  In  a  single  week  the  location  of  another 
edifice  was  determined,  the  incipient  steps  towards  its 
erection  were  taken,  and  with  the  same  spirit,  the  enter- 
prise was  prosecuted  to  its  consummation.  The  call  to 
rebuild  their  sanctuary  under  the  circumstances  which 
have  been  related,  was  an  essential  benefit  to  the  people 
of  Washington,  as  it  developed  their  resources  and  thus 
taught  them  their  strength,  while  it  bound  them  more 
strongly  to  each  other,  and  to  their  pastor. 


LIFE. 


37 


Mr.  Porter's  health,  which  always  suffered  from  the 
severe  labor  he  imposed  upon  himself,  suffered  yet  more, 
when  to  parochial  duties  and  severe  professional  study, 
he  superadded  the  labor  of  giving  instruction  to  youth, 
and  afterwards  to  theological  students.  To  the  last 
undertaking  he  was  urged  by  several  of  his  brethren  in 
the  ministry,  who  early  discovered  in  him  certain  peculiar 
qualifications  for  the  work ;  and  as  theological  schools  did 
not  then  exist,  he  reluctantly  consented  to  receive  a  suc- 
cession of  students  into  his  family.  Partly  that  the  en- 
ergies of  his  pupils  might  be  fully  employed,  and  partly 
that  he  might  secure  sufficient  time  for  their  instruction, 
he  used  to  devote  to  this  work  the  hours  spent  at  the 
table ;  assigning  at  each  meal,  some  topic  to  be  discussed 
at  the  next.  Each  pupil  was  expected,  in  his  turn,  to 
take  the  lead  in  reciting  the  thoughts  of  some  author,  or 
in  offering  his  own  opinions,  after  which  the  discussion 
became  general,  and  was  concluded  with  remarks  from 
the  teacher.  The  prostration  of  his  health,  which  com- 
menced under  this  complication  of  duties,  was  completed 
under  the  pressure  of  labor  incident  to  a  general  revival 
among  his  people  in  the  years  1804 — 5.  He  was  now 
compelled  to  suspend  his  labors  for  nearly  a  year.  Here 
probably  was  laid  the  foundation  of  the  disorder,  which, 
in  subsequent  life,  caused  him  almost  uninterrupted,  and 
often  extreme  suffering.  This  protracted  suspension  of 
his  labors  in  no  respect  diminished  the  attachment  of  his 
people  to  him.  Nothing  occurred,  for  a  moment,  to 
interrupt  the  harmony  which  had  prevailed  until  the  year 
1809,  when  a  deficiency  in  his  means  of  support,  occa- 
sioned by  circumstances  which  he  could  not  control,  and 
which  at  his  ordination  could  not  be  foreseen,  compelled 
him  to  make  known  to  his  people  his  situation,  and  ask 
relief  at  their  hands.  His  correspondence  with  his  people 
in  relation  to  this  matter,  he  carefully  transcribed  and 
4 


38 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


preserved,  and  though  under  other  circumstances,  it 
might  seem  desirable  to  suppress  it  as  furnishing  merely 
a  detail  of  facts  of  no  utility  to  the  public,  it  becomes  a 
matter  of  interest,  exhibiting  as  it  does  its  author's 
opinions  respecting  the  sacredness  of  the  pastoral  relation 
and  the  desirableness  of  its  permanency  ;  and  especially 
as  showing  his  mode  of  treating  a  subject  which  has  often 
proved  to  ministers  one  of  great  delicacy  and  difficulty. 
No  single  cause,  perhaps,  has  more  frequently  occasioned 
the  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation  than  the  one  which 
called  forth  this  correspondence  ;  none  is  now  operating 
with  greater  power  to  render  its  continuance  precarious.* 
Being  desirous  to  prevent  discussion  and  excitement, 
Mr.  Porter  at  first  coinmunicated  his  views  to  a  few  influ- 
ential friends.  Failing  in  this  way  to  secure  his  end,  he 
drew  up  the  following  statement,  which  he  submitted 
somewhat  extensively  to  individuals  in  his  society. 

"  I  ought,  perhaps,  to  preface  this  statement  by  observ- 
ing, that  I  never  have  doubted  the  friendship  of  my 
people.  Being  but  a  youth  when  I  accepted  your  call,  I 
endeavored  to  enter,  with  my  whole  heart,  into  your 
interests,  and  have  received  many  affectionate  testimo- 
nials of  your  attachment  and  esteem,  which  I  shall  always 
remember  with  sincerest  satisfaction.    But  I  have,  for 


*  To  this  correspondence  Mr.  Porter  prefixed  the  title  : — "  Papers 
showing  the  cause  and  progress  of  the  difficulties  virhich  led  to  my 
dismission  from  Washington," — a  title  which  implies  that  the  tran- 
script was  made  after  his  dismission,  with  a  design  of  preserving 
the  fact,  that  the  continued  hearing  of  tliese  difficulties  upon  his 
usefulness,  had  a  decisive  influence  on  his  final  determination  to 
resign  his  charge  and  enter  a  new  field  of  labor.  This  comports 
with  what  is  believed  to  have  been  his  settled  purpose,  that  he 
would  not  listen  to  any  solicitation  to  remove  from  Washington,  so 
long  as  he  should  have  reason  to  believe  that  his  usefulness  there 
would  continue  unimpaired. 


LIFE. 


39 


years,  felt  difficulties  respecting  my  support  arising  from  the 
depreciation  of  money.  These  difficulties  I  have  hoped 
to  surmount,  under  the  blessing  of  Providence,  Jirst,  from 
the  smallness  of  my  family,  and  the  assistance  derived 
from  some  of  my  connections — and  next,  from  the  ex- 
pectation that  my  people  would,  of  their  own  accord, 
perceive  the  deficiency  of  my  salary  ;  especially  as  that 
deficiency  resulted  from  causes  which  were  Inoicn  and 
acted  upon  in  all  the  public  and  private  concerns  of  the 
country.  The  difficulties  which  I  have  felt  still  remain  ; 
and  it  is  with  much  reluctance,  that  I  feel  it  neces- 
sary at  last  to  make  them  known  more  publicly  than 
heretofore. 

"  With  all  the  prudence  which  I  have  been  able  to 
practise,  my  salary  is  inadequate  to  support  my  family, 
and  the  company  which  it  belongs  to  every  minister  to 
entertain.  It  must  be  supposed  that  I  have  had  expe- 
rience enough  to  speak  with  certainty  on  this  subject. 

"  2.  As  to  support,  my  salary  has  not  been  what  I  had 
good  reason  to  think  it  would  be  when  I  was  settled.  I 
came  here  without  experience — was  attached  to  this 
people ;  and  it  seemed  to  be  plainly  the  will  of  Providence 
that  I  should  remain  here.  It  was  supposed  that  the 
troubles  of  Europe,  which  had  then  begun,  would  soon 
subside,  so  that  the  proposed  salary  might  be  sufficient, 
and  I  accepted  it.  Contrary  to  my  own  expectation  and 
that  of  those  on  whose  judgment  I  relied,  many  of  the 
articles  of  living,  and  all  kinds  of  agricultural  and 
mechanical  labor  soon  rose  about  one-third  in  price.  Of 
course,  the  value  of  my  salary  sunk  in  the  same  propor- 
tion. For  ten  years  past  it  has  come  short  of  the  spirit  of 
the  original  covenant,  about  one  hundrtd  dollars  annually. 
And  instead  of  being  as  good  as  the  salary  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Merwin,  my  predecessor,  which  I  expected,  it  has  been 
nearly  two  hundred  dollars  annually  less  than  his  would 
hare  been  for  the  same  time. 


40 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  3.  After  spending  thirteen  years  of  my  prime  in 
Washington,  with  a  small  family,  and  as  strict  a  system  of 
economy  as  I  think  it  proper  for  a  minister  to  exercise  ; 
and  after  having  received  important  aids  from  sources  on 
which  I  have  no  right  to  place  any  further  dependence,  I 
still  owe  several  hundred  dollars  on  interest,  which  I  have 
no  means  of  paying,  unless  I  sell  my  land  ;  and  without 
my  land  I  have  no  reasonable  prospect  of  support. 

"  4.  Though  I  ought  to  remember,  and  trust  I  always 
shall  remember  with  affection,  the  kindness  of  my  people 
in  the  years  1805  and  1806,  during  my  ill  health,  yet 
their  actual  expense  for  preaching,  during  those  years, 
was  less  than  the  salary  of  many  of  my  brethren  in  the 
ministry,  and  less  than  mine  would  have  been,  had  it 
been  made  good  according  to  the  spirit  of  the  original 
contract. 

"  In  conclusion,  I  wish  to  be  expressly  understood — 
that  I  am  not  under  an  invitation  to  remove  to  any  other 
place  ;  that  I  have  no  wish  to  exchange  my  people  for 
any  other  whatever  ;  that  I  wish  them  to  do  nothing  but 
what  may  be  done  freely ;  that  I  ask  nothing  as  matter  of 
favor,  and  desire  nothing  but  what  is  honorable  and  just." 

This  statement  soon  became  the  subject  of  general 
conversation,  and  produced  some  excitement  and  unkind 
feeling.  An  effort  was  made  by  some  of  Mr.  Porter's 
friends,  at  a  meeting  of  the  society  holden  very  soon 
afterwards,  to  raise  his  salary  to  a  sum  corresponding 
with  the  intent  of  the  original  agreement.  The  effort 
however  failed.  This  occasioned  the  following  commu- 
nication, addressed  to  the  church,  dated  Nov.  13,  1809. 

"  My  Christian  Brethren, 

"  For  thirteen  years  we  have  lived  together  in 
harmony.    The  happy  union  which  has  subsisted  betwixt 


LIFE. 


41 


U8,  has  of  late  been  interrupted  in  a  manner  which  is 
remarkable,  and  to  a  degree,  which  I  fear  is  incurable. 
As  the  subject  involves  the  interests  of  religion,  the  honor 
of  the  ministry,  and  the  happiness  of  yourselves  and 
families,  I  am  bound  to  submit  the  following  plain  state- 
ment of  facts,  for  your  candid  consideration.  Before 
I  was  a  preacher,  I  lived  in  the  family  of  Rev.  Noah 
Merwin.  After  his  death,  it  pleased  Providence  to  order, 
that  I  should  be  invited  to  become  his  successor  in  the 
ministry.  I  had  supposed  that  his  salary,  though  not 
large,  was  a  competent  support  for  a  family.  It  was 
called  an  hundred  pounds,  and  wood.  The  same  sum 
was  offered  me,  excepting  it  was  stated  in  money  instead 
of  produce,  and  fifty  dollars  instead  of  wood,  which  I 
was  told  would  be  as  good  for  me,  and  more  convenient 
for  the  society.  As  there  was  then  an  advance  on  pro- 
visions, owing  to  the  state  of  the  world,  an  addition  was 
made  to  my  settlement  by  subscription,  as  an  equivalent 
for  that  sacrifice  on  my  part,  which  was  considered,  on 
all  hands,  as  temporary.  No  one  supposed  that  I  was  to 
make  a  permanent  sacrifice  of  one  fourth  or  one  third  of 
my  salary,  from  the  spirit  of  the  original  agreement.  If 
I  had  considered  this  as  a  probable  event,  I  should  have 
looked  forward  to  the  generosity  and  justice  of  this  people 
for  my  remedy,  or  I  should  certainly  have  refused  your 
call.  Within  two  or  three  years  after  my  settlement,  I 
perceived  that  my  salary  was  likely  to  prove  essentially 
deficient.  I  endeavored  to  practise  a  careful  economy  in 
my  house,  and  to  take  the  best  advantage  of  my  land.  In 
this,  I  found  difficulty.  Every  day's  work  began  to  cost 
me  from  twenty-five  to  fifty,  and  finally,  in  many  instances, 
one  hundred  per  cent  more  than  I  expected.  With  some 
of  my  mechanic  bills,  the  case  was  the  same.  My  peace 
and  my  usefulness  forbade  me  to  contend  with  individuals 
on  this  subject.  I  had  lived  long  enough  to  see  the 
4* 


42 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


extreme  delicacy  of  money  transactions  betwixt  a  minister 
and  his  people.  I  consulted  with  judicious  friends  on  the 
expediency  of  selling  my  land.  This  they  advised  me  to 
defer,  as  it  was  plain  that  I  could  not  live  without  my 
land,  or  an  increase  of  salary. 

"  From  time  to  time,  I  have  stated  my  circumstances 
and  my  feelings  to  individuals  in  this  place.  In  the  mean 
time,  I  have  perceived  that  the  salaries  of  my  brethren, 
in  some  of  the  neighboring  societies,  which  were  the  same 
as  my  own,  have  been  considerably  advanced.  I  have 
hoped  my  people  would  see  all  these  things,  and  that  I 
should  be  spared  the  pain  of  being  first  to  move  a  con- 
sideration of  my  own  case.  Early  in  the  present  year, 
I  conversed  with  a  few  individuals  more  seriously  than 
heretofore,  on  this  subject.  In  the  spring,  I  conversed 
with  others.  In  the  summer,  I  was  given  to  understand 
that  something  would  probably  be  done  at  the  annual 
meeting.  Here  it  rested  till  the  latter  part  of  September, 
when  I  again  urged  upon  a  few,  the  necessity  of  a  rea- 
sonable attention  to  this  subject,  and  the  probable  conse- 
(juences  of  its  being  attended  to  in  an  improper  manner. 
On  account  of  the  difficulties  of  the  season,  I  did  not 
insist  on  the  subject  being  pressed,  at  present,  any  further 
than  to  know  whether  the  principle  was  admitted,  that 
something  ought  to  be  done.  This,  I  supposed,  might  be 
determined  one  time  as  well  as  another. 

"  So  soon  as  the  statements  I  made  to  individuals,* 
became  matter  of  public  conversation,  I  was  informed 
that  the  common  impression  was  against  any  thing  being 
done.  This  led  me  to  express  my  choice  that  the  business 
should  go  forward  to  some  regular  issue.  I  have  seen  its 
unhappy  progress.  I  have  seen  and  lamented  that  every 
circumstance  respecting  it,  has  received  the  most  unfa- 


•  Those  contained  in  the  first  paper. 


LIFE. 


43 


vorable  construction ;  and  I  have  been  well  aware,  that  so 
much  irritation  and  ferment,  and  misrepresentation,  could 
not  produce  any  good  effects. 

"  To  conclude  this  statement,  I  have  only  to  say  to  you, 
brethren,  that  if  you  can  devise  any  means  to  restore 
tranquillity  to  this  society,  and  afford  me  a  competent 
support,  I  shall  be  happy  to  remain  your  minister.  I  can 
forget  all  the  wanton  and  cruel  things  that  have  been  said, 
provided  I  can  have  reason  to  think  they  will  be  forgotten 
by  you.  But  I  cannot  remain  here,  and  see  you  a  divided 
people — I  cannot  remain  here,  and  receive  a  support 
which  is  drawn  from  you  with  reluctance,  and  accom- 
panied with  your  reproaches.  I  had  rather  have  your 
friendship  than  your  money.  I  must  insist  on  it,  if  any 
thing  is  done,  that  it  be  done  cheerfully.  If  something 
effectual  cannot  be  done,  I  presume  you  will  think  it  rea- 
sonable to  join  with  me  in  calling  the  Consociation,  that 
our  relation  may  be  dissolved." 

An  unsuccessful  effort  to  raise  the  salary  by  subscrip- 
tion, followed  this  communication.  In  consequence  of 
the  communication,  however,  the  society  voted  to  raise 
the  salary  to  the  value  contemplated  in  the  original  con- 
tract, encumbering  their  vote  with  the  condition,  that 
their  pastor  might  leave,  by  giving  them  six  months' 
notice ;  and  that  his  salary  should  cease  in  six  months 
after  notice  from  the  society,  that  they  wished  his  services 
discontinued.  This  vote,  without  very  mature  considera- 
tion, Mr.  Porter  thought  it  his  duty  to  accept,  hoping  that 
excitement  would  pass  by;  that  unkind  feelings  would 
subside;  and  that  he  might  continue  his  labors  with  a 
fair  prospect  of  usefulness.  His  acceptance  of  the  vote 
he  communicated  to  his  people,  and  informed  them  that 
he  should  dismiss  the  subject  from  his  thoughts.  The 
excitement  was  not  however,  as  he  hoped,  allayed — his 


44 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


motives  were  still  suspected ;  his  remarks  were  miscon- 
strued ;  and  feelings  were  discoverable  in  the  society,  the 
existence  of  which  would  obviously  be  prejudicial  to  his 
usefulness.  Further  reflection  convinced  him  that  he 
had  acted  injudiciously  in  acceding  to  the  proposals  of 
his  people,  and  induced  him  to  make  the  communication 
which  follows. 


"  To  the  Church  and  Society  in  Washington. 

"  Fathers  and  Brethren, 

"  In  the  note  which  I  read  on  the  last  Sabbath,  you 
were  given  to  understand,  that,  though  I  had  deliberated 
on  the  subject  of  leaving  this  place,  and  had  been  in  a 
state  of  painful  suspense  as  to  my  duty,  I  should  dismiss 
the  subject  from  my  thoughts,  at  present,  and  if  that 
should  be  agreeable  to  you,  let  it  rest  where  it  is.  I  had 
expected  that  it  would  thus  rest.  I  had  hoped  that  you 
would  see,  in  my  communication,  a  spirit  not  unworthy  of 
a  Christian  minister.  But  another  week  has  confirmed 
all  my  apprehensions,  and  left  me  no  room  to  hesitate 
in  the  conclusion,  that  the  foundation  of  confidence  and 
harmony,  which  heretofore  existed  betwixt  us,  can  never 
be  restored.  With  this  persuasion,  I  conceive  that  nothing 
but  mischief  can  result  from  further  suspense.  I  request 
your  attention,  therefore,  to  the  following  communication. 

"  When  I  was  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
here,  it  was  with  the  yiew  of  spending  my  life  among  you. 
This  has  been  uniformly,  both  my  wish  and  my  expecta- 
tion until  lately.  The  circumstances  which,  within  a  few 
months,  have  interrupted  the  harmony  of  our  relation,  are 
fresh  in  our  recollection.  These  circumstances,  I  have 
weighed  carefully  and  prayerfully.  But,  the  more  I  have 
deliberated  on  the  subject,  the  more  I  have  become  con- 
vinced, that  my  stay  here  as  your  minister,  cannot  pro- 


LIFE. 


45 


mote  your  best  interests,  nor  my  own  usefulness  and  happi- 
ness. This  opinion  is  founded  on  the  following  reasons. 

"1.  It  will  be  recollected,  that  by  your  proposition  and 
vote,  provision  is  made  for  a  peaceable  separation  to  take 
place  within  six  months,  whenever  it  is  requested  by  you 
or  me.  This  proposition  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  accept, 
because  it  was  my  sincere  wish  to  remain  here,  and 
because  it  was  manifest  that  I  was  reduced  to  a  choice 
betwixt  this  and  a  speedy  dismission.  On  more  reflection, 
I  have  doubted  the  correctness  of  my  judgment,  though  I 
cannot  question  the  purity  of  my  motives.  Though  this 
proposition  had  been  mentioned,  it  was  not  possible  for 
me  to  anticipate  that  it  would  be  seriously  made  to  me  by 
this  society.  When  it  was  made,  you  are  sensible  I  had 
but  a  moment  for  reflection.  I  rejoiced  to  see  a  respite 
to  those  painful  sensations,  which  had  prevailed  in  so 
threatening  a  manner.  The  occasion  led  me  to  correct 
false  impressions  which  had  been  felt,  and  to  express 
those  sentiments  of  attachment  to  this  people,  which  I 
had  always  sincerely  entertained.  For  a  time,  I  did 
indulge  the  hope,  that  what  had  taken  place  in  this  so- 
ciety might  leave  me  a  prospect  of  continued  peace  and 
usefulness.  But, 

"2.  I  was  soon  informed  that  I  had  acted  under  a 
mistake,  by  supposing  the  proportion  of  voters,  in  the 
affirmative,  to  be  larger  than  it  really  was. 

"  3.  On  a  careful  review  of  the  whole  ground,  I  could 
not  but  fear  that  the  unhappy  prejudices  which  had 
attended  the  raising  of  my  salary,  and  the  manner  in 
which  it  was  finally  raised,  must,  according  to  the  com- 
mon course  of  human  nature,  and  at  no  distant  period, 
operate  to  disturb  the  tranquillity,  and  to  destroy  that 
confidence  which  ought  to  exist  betwixt  a  minister  and 
people. 

"4.  In  the  mean  time,  I  have  been  called  to  apply 


46 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


myself  more  particularly  to  study  than  I  had  lately  done ; 
and  have  found  its  influence  unfavorable  to  my  prospects 
of  enjoying  health.  My  constitution  has  been  impaired 
by  my  past  labors,  so  that  I  fear  I  should  be  less  useful 
among  you,  hereafter,  than  I  might  be  in  another  place, 
or  than  another  minister  might  be  in  this  place. 

"  Laying  all  these  things  together,  it  has  become  my 
painful  duty  to  inform  you,  that,  with  the  leave  of  Provi- 
dence, my  labors  among  you  will  cease  at  the  end  of  six 
months  from  this  time ;  or  at  any  earlier  period  that  may 
be  more  agreeable  to  you. 

"  This  decision  has  been  formed,  I  trust,  in  the  fear  of 
God.  It  is  the  result  of  deep  and  solemn  reflection — a 
result  which  has  been  brought  about  by  an  unexpected 
coincidence  of  events ;  and  which  I  have  endeavored  to 
consider  well,  according  to  its  momentous  nature  and 
consequences.  I  have  anticipated  the  reluctance  with 
which  I  shall  leave  many  friends,  who  are  dear,  very  dear 
to  my  heart,  and  the  pangs  which  a  separation  will  inflict 
on  their  feelings  and  my  own.  While  I  remain  with  you, 
you  will  have  my  best  efforts  to  promote  your  interests; 
and  while  I  live,  my  sincerest  wishes  for  your  happiness. 
I  entreat  you  to  be  at  peace  among  yourselves,  and  I  pray 
that  the  God  of  love  and  peace  may  be  with  you." 

By  desire  of  several  persons,  who  entertained  hope  that 
the  breach  might  yet  be  healed,  and  the  valuable  services 
of  their  pastor  retained,  another  meeting  of  the  society  was 
called.  Mr.  Porter  was  informed  previously  to  this  meet- 
ing, that  though  the  society  generally  manifested  a  willing- 
ness to  grant  what  he  would  deem  a  competent  salary, 
and  chose  to  remove  the  condition  appended  to  their 
former  vote,  of  which  he  had  already  taken  advantage, 
and  by  which  it  was  obvious  he  was  much  less  likely  to 
suffer  than  they ;  yet  a  respectable  minority  would  insist 


LIFE. 


47 


that  the  salary  should  cease  with  actual  service.  From  this 
he  dissented,  not  so  much  from  a  fear  of  personal  disad- 
vantage, as  from  principle.  Being  still  convinced  that 
the  harmony  indispensable  to  his  usefulness  could  not  be 
restored,  lie  submitted  to  the  meeting  a  brief  review  of 
the  circumstances  which  had  transpired,  and  concluded 
with  the  address  which  follows  : — 

"  To  many  of  you,  gentlemen,  my  sincerest  acknowl- 
edgments are  due  for  the  motives  which  gave  rise  to  the 
meeting  of  this  day.  But  being  well  assured  that  there 
cannot  be  that  entire  unanimity  and  cordiality  in  your 
proceedings,  which  the  nature  of  the  case  renders  indis- 
pensable, I  cannot  consent  that  your  peace  should  be 
hazarded,  and  my  own  feelings  put  to  a  new  trial  on  the 
subject.  I  beg  you  will  receive  this  communication  in 
the  same  frank  and  friendly  spirit  with  which  it  is  made. 
I  am  satisfied  it  is  the  will  of  Providence  that  we  should 
separate.  Let  us  separate  in  love  and  peace.  It  is  my 
wish  that  no  measures  whatever  may  be  taken,  with  the 
expectation  of  my  remaining  here  ;  but  that  your  atten- 
tion should  be  turned  like  a  band  of  brethren,  to  the 
settlement  of  another  minister.  Should  you  adopt  this 
course,  the  money  you  have  been  pleased  to  add  to  my 
salary,  is  at  your  disposal  to  employ  a  candidate,  if  that 
should  be  your  pleasure.  It  is  my  earnest  prayer,  that 
brotherly  love  may  continue  among  you.  In  the  faith  and 
fellowship  of  the  gospel,  I  am  yours, 

"  E.  Porter." 

In  pursuance  of  this  determination,  letters  missive  were 
issued  for  the  purpose  of  convening  an  ecclesiastical 
council,  to  whose  decision  the  proposed  separation  should 
be  referred.  Just  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  council, 
Mr.  Porter  received  an  animated  and  cheering  address 


48 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


from  the  young  men  of  his  charge,  which,  as  it  is  alike 
creditable  to  themselves  and  their  pastor,  is  in  substance 
subjoined. 

"  The  young  people  of  Washington,  animated  with  the 
highest  sentiments  of  love  and  attachment  to  their  pastor, 
respectfully  request  leave  to  present  this  address,  as  an 
expression  of  their  esteem  and  friendship  to  him  —  a 
friendship,  which  thirteen  years'  acquaintance  has  only 
served  to  strengthen  and  increase.  Bearing  in  mind  the 
valuable  instructions  we  have  received,  and  the  virtuous 
example  so  long  exhibited  for  our  imitation,  too  deep  an 
impression  is  made  on  our  hearts  to  be  easily  effaced. 
We  have  beheld,  with  the  greatest  reverence,  the  tender 
and  anxious  solicitude  which  our  minister  has  ever  mani- 
fested, to  promote  our  present  and  future  happiness.  For 
that  paternal  affection  and  watchfulness  for  the  eternal 
welfare  of  our  souls,  our  hearts  overflow  with  gratitude 
which  language  is  too  feeble  to  express. 

"  The  young  people  are  truly  sensible  of  the  extraor- 
dinary privileges  they  have  enjoyed,  while  under  the 
special  charge  of  their  present  pastor.  The  instructions 
they  have  received,  have  in  a  peculiar  manner  endeared 
him  to  them,  and  we  trust  they  will  not  soon  be  for- 
gotten. 

"  While  we  thus  cheerfully  pay  our  tribute  of  respect, 
and  our  grateful  acknowledgments  to  our  beloved  pastor 
for  the  invaluable  services  he  has  rendered  us,  may  we  not 
be  permitted  to  cherish  the  hope  that  they  may  still  be 
continued. 

"  We  have  beheld  with  the  greatest  pleasure,  the  happy 
union  which  has  so  long  subsisted  between  us ;  and  we 
sincerely  regret  that  this  union  is  apparently  on  the  verge 
of  dissolution.  An  event  so  distressing  to  our  society, 
must  in  a  particular  manner,  be  felt  by  us  who  have  so  long 


LIFE. 


49 


been  peculiarly  favored  with  his  instructions.  We  enter- 
tain the  pleasing  hope  that  Mr.  Porter  will  approve  the 
measures  adopted  to  preserve  the  continuance  of  this 
union.  Should  this  be  the  happy  consequence,  the  high- 
est wishes  of  the  rising  generation  will  be  realized.  To 
them,  nothing  is  more  desirable  ;  and  we  flatter  ourselves 
that  the  same  unanimity  and  harmony  which  have  hith- 
erto subsisted,  will  still  prevail.  As  the  difficulty  that  has 
arisen  between  Mr.  Porter  and  the  society,  has  been  re- 
specting his  salary,  and  as  some  of  our  fathers  and  friends 
have  wished  a  condition  annexed  thereto,  we,  their  sons, 
(paying  due  deference  to  their  judgment,)  wish  no  such 
thing.  We  are  willing  to  give  our  pastor  an  honorable 
support,  not  clogged  with  any  conditions.  And  if  Provi- 
dence should  lengthen  out  his  life  beyond  his  usefulness 
here  as  a  preacher,  we  are  willing  to  give  in  the  evening 
of  his  life,  that  support  which  a  grateful  people  will  ever  be 
willing  to  give  a  beloved  minister. 

"  But  if  Providence  in  wisdom  should  otherwise  deter- 
mine, and  a  separation  between  us  and  our  pastor  be 
deemed  indispensable,  he  will  still  retain  our  best  wishes 
for  his  prosperity  and  happiness,  united  with  our  fervent 
prayer  for  his  extensive  usefulness  in  what  part  soever  of 
the  vineyard  of  our  Lord  he  may  be  placed." 

This  address,  which  Mr.  Porter  was  assured  was  unani- 
mously approved  by  the  young  men  of  his  charge,  served 
very  much  to  allay  his  apprehensions  respecting  the  possi- 
bility of  his  continued  usefulness  among  his  people.  Those 
for  whose  conversion  and  improvement  he  had  labored  with 
the  most  unwearied  solicitude,  and  on  whose  friendship  and 
co-operation  his  future  usefulness  would  most  depend,  it  was 
evident  continued  to  entertain  a  strong  attachment  to  him  as 
a  man,  and  a  decided  preference  for  him  as  a  minister.  His 
determination,  which  he  had  considered  final,  wavered, 
5 


50 


MEiMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


He  thought  it  possible  lie  had  yet  a  work  to  do  in  Washing- 
ton. The  council,  which  was  composed  of  six  pastors  and 
delegates  from  the  neighboring  churches,  met  April  25, 
1810,  and  as  the  result  of  their  deliberations,  advised  that 
the  relation  between  Mr.  Porter  and  his  people  should  be 
continued.  "  We  advise,"  they  added,  "  both  minister 
and  people  to  forgive  and  forget  past  occurrences,  which 
have  tended  to  impair  the  unusual  harmony  heretofore 
existing  between  them  ;  and  that  they  unitedly  seek  the 
things  that  make  for  peace,  Christian  love,  and  mutual 
edification.  Permit  us  to  assure  you,  that  our  prayers  will 
ascend  to  heaven  for  you.  Feeling  the  utmost  confidence 
in  the  fidelity  of  your  minister,  and  his  ardent  zeal  for 
your  good,  we  hope  and  trust  that  by  his  prudent  and  faith- 
ful efforts,  he  may  with  the  blessing  of  God  be  tlie  instru- 
ment of  unspeakable  good.  Finally,  brethren,  we  commend 
you  to  the  grace  of  God.  Farewell ;  live  in  peace,  and  the 
God  of  love  and  peace  will  be  with  you.  Amen." 

Previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  council,  the  rumor  hav- 
ing gone  abroad  that  Mr.  Porter  was  about  to  leave  his 
charge,  several  applications  were  made  for  his  services. 
Strangers  in  some  instances  made  it  convenient  to  spend 
the  Sabbath  in  Washington,  and  manifested  a  solicitude  to 
hear  him  preach,  which  clearly  indicated  to  his  people, 
tliat  his  talents  and  services  as  a  minister,  however  they 
might  regard  them,  were  highly  estimated  by  others. 
Among  the  applications  he  received,  was  one  bearing  date 
the  same  day  as  the  meeting  of  the  council,  from  the  First 
church  in  New  Haven,  then  vacant,  in  consequence  of  the 
removal  of  Rev.  Moses  Stuart  to  the  theological  semi- 
nary at  Andover.  Before  the  date  of  this  application,  the 
desire  had  been  repeatedly  expressed  to  Mr.  Porter  by 
members  of  that  church,  and  by  others  particularly  inter- 
ested in  its  prosperity,  that,  by  procuring  a  dismission  from 


LIFE. 


61 


Washington  he  would  place  himself  in  a  situation  to 
receive  a  formal  invitation  to  New  Haven  ;  the  feelings  of 
that  church  at  the  time,  and  indeed  his  own  principles 
about  removal,  forbidding  the  presentation  of  a  call  to 
another  parish  while  he  retained  a  pastoral  charge.  To  a 
communication  from  a  highly  esteemed  friend,  urging  his 
dismission  from  Washington,  and  his  removal  to  New 
Haven,  on  the  ground  that  the  interests  of  Zion  demanded 
it,  he  thus  replied  : — "  The  subject  to  which  you  call  my 
attention,  I  have  taken  into  serious  consideration.  It  has 
many  hearings,  as  it  concerns  myself,  and  especially  as  it 
involves  interests  which  I  ought  to  hold  more  dear  than  my 
own.  The  favorable  opinion  which  you  have  happened  to 
form  of  me,  must  not  be  allowed  to  govern  my  decision  in 
a  case,  on  which  so  much  depends.  There  are  two  sides 
to  this  question,  which  I  am  called  to  consider,  in  the  fear 
of  God.  It  is  too  delicate  to  admit  of  advice,  and  too  mo- 
mentous to  be  determined  without.  All  I  can  say  to  you 
now  is,  if  an  immediate  result  is  expected,  it  cannot  be 
such  as  you  wish.  It  has  of  late  been  my  prevailing 
opinion  that  Providence  designs  my  removal, — in  this 
however,  I  am  not  yet  perfectly  decided  ;  and  should  I 
become  so,  such  removal  must  be  the  work  of  months,  not 
of  a  day  or  week." 

The  address  of  the  young  men  had  somewhat  predis- 
posed Mr.  Porter  to  concur  in  the  result  of  the  council  ; 
and  from  that  time  he  seems  to  have  been  confirmed  in  the 
conclusion,  that  the  Lord  designed  his  continuance  at 
Washington.  Under  this  impression,  he  engaged  anew 
with  his  wonted  zeal  in  the  performance  of  pastoral  labors. 
It  appears  indeed,  that  his  people  to  a  very  desirable 
extent,  were  disposed,  in  accordance  with  the  judicious 
advice  of  the  council,  "  to  forgive  and  forget  past  occur- 
rences," and  in  union  with  their  pastor,  "  to  seek  the 
things  which  make  for  peace,  Christian  love,  and  mutual 


52 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


edification."  He  was  not,  however,  permitted  to  continue 
his  labors  uninterrupted  by  applications  from  abroad. 
That  from  New  Haven  continued  to  be  urged.  By  many 
of  his  friends  in  whose  judgment  he  greatly  confided, 
among  whom  were  Dr.  Dwight,  and  others  associated  with 
him  in  the  government  of  Yale  college,  it  was  believed  to 
be  his  duty  under  existing  circumstances,  to  obtain  a 
dismission,  solely  for  the  purpose  of  removing  to  New 
Haven.  Even  after  his  appointment  at  Andover,  when  a 
meeting  of  the  consociation  was  contemplated  for  the  dis- 
solution of  his  pastoral  relation,  he  was  urged  to  receive  a 
dismission  in  such  form,  that  he  might  consistently  settle 
at  New  Haven.  So  long,  however,  as  he  had  doubts 
respecting  his  duty,  the  solicitations  of  friends  were  ex- 
pended upon  him  in  vain. 

It  may  be  proper  here  to  note,  that  during  the  year 
1809,  Mr.  Porter  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Con- 
necticut Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences. 

In  May,  ISIO,  he  preached  the  annual  sermon  before 
the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society ;  and  in  August  fol- 
lowing, was  elected  a  trustee  of  the  same  body. 

In  the  early  part  of  1811,  he  undertook,  with  several 
other  gentlemen,  at  the  request  of  the  Connecticut  Bible 
Society,  a  special  agency  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining 
the  number  of  families  in  the  State  destitute  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures.  In  May  of  this  year,  he  attended  the  meet- 
ing of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
at  Philadelphia,  as  a  delegate  from  the  General  Associa- 
tion of  Connecticut.  In  July,  he  received  a  communica- 
tion acquainting  him  that  the  Consistory  of  the  Dutch 
church  in  Albany,  had  fixed  on  him  as  their  future  pas- 
tor, and  were  very  desirous  of  securing  his  services.  This 
communication  was  followed  by  an  oral  application  from 
a  committee  of  the  church.    In  August,  he  received  from 


LIFE. 


53 


Gov.  Griswold  the  following  complimental  request  to 
prepare  an  election  sermon. 

"  Sir, 

"  The  usage  of  this  State  has  devolved  on  the  Gov- 
ernor the  duty  of  requesting  two  gentlemen  of  your  pro- 
fession to  prepare  sermons  to  be  delivered  before  the 
General  Assembly,  at  the  Election  in  May.  Mr.  Welch, 
of  Mansfield,  was  last  year  requested  by  Gov.  Treadwell 
to  deliver  the  sermon,  in  case  Mr.  Stebbins,  who  had 
been  previously  appointed,  should  be  prevented  from 
officiating.  He  has  of  course  been  requested  to  prepare 
himself  for  the  next  election,  and  I  trust  will  not  object 
to  performing  the  duty.  In  making  a  selection  myself, 
in  case  Mr.  Welch  should  disappoint  our  wishes,  I  have 
really  met  with  no  difficulty.  The  sermon  which  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  hearing  in  May,  1810,  and  which  you 
delivered  before  the  Missionary  Society,  satisfied  me 
that  the  public  had  further  claims  on  your  talents,  and  I 
take  the  liberty  at  this  time  of  making  one  of  those  claims, 
and  request  that  you  will  be  so  good  as  to  prepare  and 
deliver  the  sermon  at  the  next  election,  provided  Mr. 
Welch  should  be  prevented.  You  must  allow  me  to  add, 
that  I  cannot  accept  an  ordinary  excuse.  The  honor  of 
the  State  is  concerned  in  a  proper  selection,  and  I  feel 
no  small  interest  in  making  a  choice  which  shall  be 
honorable  to  myself. 

"  With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obe- 
dient and  very  humble  servant, 

"  Roger  Griswold. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Pouter." 

Compliance  with  this  request,  Mr.  Porter  felt  it  his 
duty,  on  account  of  his  state  of  health,  to  decline. 


5* 


CHAPTER  IV. 


Appointment  at  Andover — Reasons  for  and  against  accepting — 
Conimunication  to  his  church  and  society — Meeting  of  conso- 
ciation— Dissolution  of  pastoral  relation — Answer  to  trustees — 
Inauguration. 

About  this  time  the  guardians  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  Andover  were  called  to  fill  the  Professorship 
of  Pulpit  Eloquence  in  that  Institution,  left  vacant  by  the 
resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  Griffin.  With  entire  unanimity 
both  the  Trustees  and  Visitors  concurred  in  the  election 
of  Mr.  Porter.  When  this  appointment,  which  bears 
date  Sept.  24,  1811,  was  announced  to  Mr.  Porter,  his 
state  of  health  seemed  to  forbid  its  acceptance  ;  yet,  at 
the  same  time  to  admonish  him,  that  he  could  not  reason- 
ably hope  much  longer  to  discharge,  as  formerly,  pastoral 
duties.  By  many  of  his  friends,  his  state  of  health, 
especially  his  state  of  lungs  which  rendered  public 
speaking  irksome,  was  urged  as  a  strong  reason  in  favor 
of  his  acceptance.  He  felt,  on  the  other  hand,  that  with 
a  constitution  impaired  by  previous  labor,  and  under- 
mined by  disease,  he  could  not  expect  so  successfully  to 
pursue  study  as  to  supply  deficiencies,  and  make  the 
attainments  indispensable  to  a  useful  and  honorable 
discharge  of  official  duty  in  the  station  to  which  he  was 
called.   To  this  was  added  the  apprehension  that  through 


LIFE. 


55 


the  partiality  of  friends  his  talents  had  been  overrated, 
and  that  in  undertaking  the  proposed  duties,  he  might  do 
religion  disservice  and  himself  discredit.  Few  men,  it 
is  believed,  contemplate  the  acceptance  of  a  public  station 
with  more  unfeigned  diffidence  and  solicitude.  His 
deliberation  and  caution  are  manifest  from  the  following 
paper,  evidently  drawn  up  for  his  own  use  at  the  time. 
The  document  serves  also  to  exhibit  his  mode  of  examin- 
ing questions  of  moment. 


"  An  important  question  to  be  decided — 'Shall  I  remain 
at  Washington  ?"' 


Motives  for  the  affirmatire. 

1 .  God  has  given  me  the  charge 
of  this  church  and  people.  He 
has  assigned  me  a  good  work,  a 
great  work  ; — work  sufficient  to 
employ  the  whole  lime  and 
strength  of  three  such  mmislers 
as  myself. 


2.  The  duties  to  which  I  am 
called  at  Andover,  might  be  per- 
formed better  by  some  other  man 
than  by  me  :  and  probably  by 
some  other  man  who  has  not  the 
charge  of  a  people. 


Motives  for  the  negative. 

1.  The  Theological  Seminary 
is  an  object  of  unquestionable  and 
high  importance.  Its  design  is  to 
raise  up  ministers  for  the  church 
of  God.  Its  constitution  and 
statutes  are  evidently  the  result 
of  wisdom  and  piety  ;  and  the 
unparalleled  liberality  of  wealthy 
individuals  for  its  support,  in- 
creases the  evidence  that  it  is 
owned  of  God. 

2.  I  am  called  to  take  part  as 
an  instructor  in  this  Seminary, 
by  men  of  established  reputation 
for  judgment  and  piety  :  men 
whose  opinion  on  any  other  sub- 
ject, I  should  certainly  deem 
worthy  of  more  regard  than  my 
own. 

3.  Such  are  the  collisions  of 


3.  A  removal  would  be  attended 
with  immense  and  irreparable!sentiment  and  local  prejudice  un- 
sacrifices  as  to  my  family  and  happily  prevalent  in  Rlassachu- 
ministenal  connections.  setts,  and  in  so  many  ways  do 

I  these  bear  upon  this  infant  insti- 
Itution,  that  a  refusal  of  my  call 
jmight  be  attended  with  many 
levil  consequences. 

4.  My  habits  are  so  settled  at  4.  My  prospects  of  happiness 
the  age  of  thirty-nine,  that  they  and  usefulness  here  r.re  impaired 
would  not  easily  conform  to  a  by  the  events  of  and  '10. 
new  situation.                             My  salary  was  raised  by  con- 

\straint  rather  than  by  conviction 


56 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


5.  I  have  much  reason  to  ques- 
tion my  competence  to  the  new 
task  assigned  me  :  and  a  failure 
in  that  would  be  more  probable, 
and  be  attended  with  worse  conse 
quences  to  myself  and  the  great 
interests  of  leligion,  than  an  equal 
failure  in  my  present  duties. 
This  is  tlie  only  professorship  in 
the  institution  which  is  subjected 
to  popular  scrutiny  :  and  public 
approbation  in  this  office,  can 
hardly  be  expected,  consistently 
with  a  proper  discharge  of  its 
duties.  I 

0.  This  people  might  expe- 
rience difficulty  in  procuring 
another  pastor. 


7.  A  removal  would  be  attended 
wilh  much  perplexity,  and  prob- 
ably with  considerable  sacrifice  as 
to  j)roperty. 


and  choice  :  things  were  said  and 
done  by  individuals,  which  can 
never  be  retracted:  impressions 
were  made  on  my  feelings,  which 
can  never  be  effaced ;  the  fire 
which  then  raged  so  terribly, 
though  smothered,  is  not  extin- 
guished. 

5.  There  is  reason  to  believe 
that  another  minister  might  be 
obtained  here,  who  could  do  more 
ministerial  service  than  I  can  do ; 
as  the  stated  labors  of  the  pastoral 
office  are  manifestly  too  great  for 
mv  constitution. 


6.  Though  a  succcs.^or  should 
prove  no  more  active  or  faithful 
than  I  have  been,  he  might  prob- 
ably be  more  useful  tlian  I  could 
be  in  future,  especially  to  the 
rising  generation. 

7.  The  principles  on  which  I 
entered  the  ministry,  forbid  me 
to  place  personal  sacrifices  in 
competition  with  duty. 


While  pondering  the  question  of  his  removal,  Mr.  Por- 
ter received  numerous  letters  from  the  professors  already 
residing  at  Andover,  and  other  distinguished  clergymen, 
expressing  confidence  in  his  fitness  for  the  station  to 
uliich  he  was  called,  and  a  conviction  that  the  interests 
of  Zion  demanded  his  acceptance.  Having  become  con- 
vinced that  it  would  be  his  duty  to  remove  to  Andover,  if 
the  consociation  of  which  he  was  a  member  should  concur 
with  him  in  opinion,  he  made  the  communication  to  his 
church  and  society,  which  is  subjoined. 


LIFE. 


57 


"  To  the  members  of  llie  First  Church  and  Society  in  Wasliin!;ton. 

"  WasMnglon,  JVov.  4,  1811. 

"  Fathers  and  Brethren, 

"  The  gentlemen  who  superintend  the  interests  of 
the  Theological  Seminary  at  Andover,  have  seen  fit  to 
appoint  me  a  Professor  in  that  institution.  The  sole 
design  of  the  above  seminary  is  to  educate  pious  young 
men  for  the  work  of  the  Christian  ministry.  It  consists 
of  about  fifty  students ;  a  considerable  proportion  of 
whom,  as  well  as  all  the  professors,  are  supported  by  the 
pious  liberality  of  a  few  individuals.  I  am  satisfied  that 
this  institution  is  owned  of  God,  and  promises  important 
usefulness  to  his  church.  I  am  satisfied  that  its  instruc- 
tors must  tliemselves  be  ministers,  possessed  of  that  expe- 
rience which  can  be  acquired  only  by  an  actual  per- 
formance of  the  duties  of  the  pastoral  office. 

"  Whether  it  is,  or  is  not  best  that  I  should  remove  to 
that  institution,  now  becomes  a  subject  of  interesting 
inquiry. 

"  Tlie  ministry  is  my  chosen  employment.  My  heart 
and  my  life  are  devoted  to  it.  In  the  charge  of  this 
people,  God  has  assigned  me  a  great  and  good  work  :  a 
work  more  than  sufficient  to  employ  the  whole  time  and 
strength  of  one  man :  a  work  indeed,  which  has  proved  too 
arduous  for  my  constitution. 

"  You  perceive  then,  brethren,  that  I  am  placed  in 
solemn  circumstances.  The  question  before  me,  deeply 
involves  my  own  personal  interests,  and  the  more  important 
interests  of  this  people,  and  of  religion  generally.  There 
are  but  two  ways,  in  which  this  question  can  come  to  an 
issue  :  it  must  be  decided  either  by  me  or  by  othtrs.  As 
to  the  first : — probably  I  have  no  right,  and  certainly  I 
have  no  disposition  to  decide  it  myself  As  to  the  second : — 
I  conceive  the  consociation  to  be  the  proper  judges  in  the 


58 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


case.  Tlicy  gave  me  the  charge  of  this  people.  To  tliem 
I  liold  myself  accountable.  In  their  wisdom  I  have  entire 
coufulcncc.  They  are  known  throughout  New  England, 
as  a  dignified  and  enlightened  ecclesiastical  body.  Your 
interests  and  mine  are  one  with  theirs. 

"  I  invite  you  then,  brethren,  to  unite  with  me  in  a 
friendly  reference  of  this  subject  to  their  decision.  Thus 
doing,  if  we  are  still  to  live  together,  we  may  live  together 
in  love  :  if  we  are  to  part,  we  may  part  in  love. 

"  To  the  many  motives  which  should  induce  us  to  look 
to  consociation  for  direction,  divine  Providence  has  added 
another,  in  the  recent  change  of  my  health.  Though  it 
becomes  us  to  feel  no  solicitude  on  this  subject,  it  is  my 
duty  to  say  frankly,  that  I  have  no  expectation  of  being 
able  to  serve  you  as  a  minister  for  some  time  to  come. 
Under  all  circumstances,  I  do  rely  upon  it,  that  from  a 
regard  to  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  from 
a  prudent  care  of  your  oicn  best  interests,  and  from  friend- 
ship to  me,  you  will  consent  to  a  call  of  consociation, 
and  will  authorize  a  committee  to  agree  with  me  as  to  the 
time  and  manner  of  convening  that  body.  Any  other 
course  of  proceeding  will  give  to  this  business  the  aspect 
of  a  j-clig  ious  controvcrai/ ;  which  would  be  equally  painful, 
I  am  sure,  to  you  and  to  me. 

"  With  the  best  wishes  for  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
prosperity  of  this  people,  and  wishing  you  the  divine  guid- 
ance and  benediction,  I  am, 

"  Your  affectionate  Pastor. 

"  N.  B.  1.  I  have  fixed  no  time  when  I  would  wish  con- 
sociation to  meet.    Perhaps  in  the  month  of  December. 

"  2.  I  shall  expect  that  meeting  to  be  at  my  expense,  if 
such  should  be  the  wish  of  the  society." 

Mr.  Porter's  people  having  consented  to  refer  the  ques- 
tion of  his  removal  to  the  consociation,  that  body  was 


LIFE. 


r>9 


convened  Dec.  18,  1811,  and  with  great  unanimity  dis- 
solved his  pastoral  relation.  The  next  day  he  communi- 
cated to  the  trustees,  through  their  president,  his  answer. 

"  Washington,  Dec.  19,  1811. 

"Rev.  Sir, 

"  The  Consociation  gave  a  decision  yesterday,  in  favor 
of  my  removal  to  Andover,  as  soon  as  my  health  and  other 
circumstances  will  permit.  I  view  this  as  the  decision  of 
Providence  which  I  am  required  to  obey.  In  every  step 
of  the  process  which  has  produced  this  conclusif)n,  I  have 
proceeded  with  trembling.  I  have  anticipated  the  pangs 
which  await  me,  in  separating  from  a  circle  of  friends 
whom  I  love  most  tenderly.  I  have  felt  the  difTicuity  with 
which  habits  so  settled  as  mine  can  be  conformed  to  new 
relations  and  new  duties.  I  have  felt  and  still  feel  a  deep 
conviction  of  my  own  incompetence  to  fill  a  station  so  ar- 
<luous  and  re.sponsible,  as  that  which  is  assigned  me. 
The  solicitude  excited  by  other  considerations,  has  been 
increased  by  the  state  of  my  health,  which  there  is  reason 
to  fear  will  prove  inadequate  to  the  labors  required. 

"  But  I  commit  myself  to  God,  relying  upon  his  aid,  and 
upon  the  candor,  the  counsel,  and  prayers  of  the  trustees, 
and  of  the  Christian  brethren  with  whom  I  am  to  be  as.so- 
ciated.  It  will,  however,  be  expressly  understood  that  I 
must  have  time  to  study  the  things  which  I  am  to  teach  ; 
that  I  must  be  my  own  judge,  how  much  application  to 
business  my  constitution  will  bear  ;  and  that  if  tlie  inter- 
ests of  the  institution  should  be  found  to  suffer  through  my 
lack  of  health  or  other  qualifications,  I  siiall  cheerfully 
relinqui.sh  the  office  whenever  the  tru.stees  may  think  it 
necessary.  Should  these  views  correspond  with  those  of 
the  gentlemen  who  superintend  the  interests  of  the  insti- 
tution, I  do  hereby  accept  the  invitation  to  iiecome  one  of 
its  professors.    In  doing  this,  I  rest  assured  that  every 


60 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


proper  indulgence  will  be  given  to  my  infirmities,  as  to 
one  who  claims  no  other  reputation  than  that  of  a  plain 
man  of  honest  intentions. 

"  With  sentiments  of  great  respect, 

"  I  am,  Rev.  Sir,  yours  &c. 

"  E.  Porter. 

"  Rev.  Eliphalet  Pearson,  LL.  D.,  ) 
President  of  the  Board,  &c."  5 

As  the  interests  of  the  institution  were  suffering  from 
the  vacancy  in  the  department  of  Pulpit  Eloquence,*  it 
was  the  earnest  wish  of  the  trustees,  in  which  the  profes- 
sors then  connected  with  the  seminary  participated,  that 
Mr.  Porter  should  be  inaugurated,  and  enter  on  his  offi- 
cial duties  without  delay.  Being  apprised,  however,  of  his 
apprehensions  that  the  excitement  and  fatigue  of  removal, 
and  of  entering  a  new  sphere  of  action  during  the  inclem- 
ency of  winter,  might  prove  seriously  prejudicial  to  his 
health,  they  kindly  waived  their  claims,  and  consented  to 
such  delay  as  he  might  deem  expedient.  Through  their 
president,  the  trustees  remark — "  Much  as  we  wish  to  see 
you,  and  enjoy  your  labors  here,  we  ^xc  primarUij  anxious 
for  your  health,  and  request  you  in  no  way  to  expose  your- 
self to  injury  during  the  cold  of  winter.  Considering  the 
delicate  state  of  your  lungs,  you  ought  to  run  no  hazard  of 
doing  yourself  a  lasting  injury,  for  the  sake  of  a  few  weeks' 
partial  duty."  Early  in  March,  1812,  he  made  his  first 
visit  to  the  sacred  seminary,  which  was  to  become  the 
object  of  his  future  solicitude  and  prayers  ;  and  which  to 
his  latest  consciousness,  ceased  not  to  engage  his  undi- 
vided affection.  The  interval  between  his  arrival  at 
Andover,  and  his  induction  into  office,  which  took  place 

*  By  Mr.  Porter's  desire  the  title  of  his  professorsliip  was  changed 
from  Pulpit  Eloquence  to  Sacred  Rhetoric :  the  former  title  beingtoo 
imposing  to  accord  with  his  feelings. 


LIFE. 


61 


on  the  first  day  of  April,  was  employed  in  making  prepa- 
ration for  the  removal  of  his  family  ;  in  surveying  his  future 
field  of  labor,  and  in  becoming  acquainted  with  the  ven- 
erable founders  of  the  institution,  who,  with  paternal 
solicitude,  had  watched  over  its  rising  interests ;  had 
anticipated,  and  with  unexampled  munificence  provided 
for  its  numerous  wants.  Of  the  founders  of  the  institu- 
tion, there  were  then  living  Samuel  Abbot,  Madam  Phil- 
lips, John  Phillips,  Moses  Brown,  and  William  Bartlet, 
Esq.,  by  the  last  of  whom  the  professorship,  of  which 
Dr.  Porter  was  the  incumbent,  was  founded ;  and  from 
whom  it  receives  its  name.  Of  these,  only  the  last  named 
gentleman  survives,  to  witness  the  extended  usefulness  of 
the  beloved  seminary  he  has  so  kindly  fostered  ;  himself 
an  object  of  grateful  and  affectionate  remembrance,  by  the 
many  who  have  enjoyed  the  facilities  for  theological  instruc- 
tion furnished  by  his  enlarged  liberality.  At  Mr.  Porter's 
inauguration,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Holmes  made  the  introductory 
prayer,  and  preached  a  sermon  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Dana  of  New- 
buryport,  made  the  inaugurating  prayer  ;  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Pearson,  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  read  the  appro- 
priate parts  of  the  statutes  of  the  founders.  He  also  read 
the  creed  which  was  repeated  by  the  professor  elect ;  and 
Rev.  Dr.  Spring  made  the  concluding  prayer.  An  address 
which  had  been  expected  from  Mr.  Porter,  was  omitted  on 
account  of  his  delicate  health.  He  entered  at  once  on 
the  discharge  of  official  duty,  which  he  continued  till  the 
spring  vacation.  In  June  he  removed  his  family  to 
Andover. 


6 


CHAPTER  V. 


Enters  on  his  labors — Receives  degree  of  D.  D. — Doubts  about 
accepting  it— Elected  President  of  University  of  Vermont — 
Answer — Finds  tlie  northern  winter  unfavorable  to  his  liealth — 
Seeks  a  southern  climate — Effect  on  health — Employment  while 
absent — Returning,  attends  Gen.  Assembly  of  Pres.  Church — 
Appointed  Prof  of  Divinity  in  Yale  College — Answer. 

The  hopes  which  Professor  Porter  and  his  friends  had 
fondly  entertained  respecting  the  favorable  influence  of  a 
change  of  labors  on  his  health,  were  not  realized.  He 
did,  indeed,  gain  relief  from  public  speaking,  which,  for 
some  months  previous,  had  been  peculiarly  laborious  and 
painful.  The  disappointment  of  his  hopes  arose,  in  part, 
from  the  miscellaneous  character  of  his  duties,  which 
required  constant  attention ;  and  in  part,  from  intense 
application  to  study,  to  which  he  felt  constrained,  by  a 
due  regard  to  the  character  of  the  Seminary,  to  the 
interests  of  Zion,  to  the  improvement  of  his  pupils,  and 
to  his  own  reputation,  to  devote  every  moment,  not  pre- 
occupied by  other  official  engagements.  In  fact,  his 
history,  from  his  removal  to  Andover  to  the  close  of  his 
life,  is  the  history  of  an  invalid. 

During  the  years  1812 — 1814,  he  continued  his  labors 
with  only  occasional,  and  in  no  instance  very  protracted 
interruptions,  on  account  of  ill  health. 


LIFE. 


63 


In  August,  1814,  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Divinity,  was  conferred  upon  him  by  Dartmouth  college ; 
— a  title,  it  would  seem,  which  he  had  some  scruples 
about  receiving.  It  is  not  known  that  these  were  com- 
municated to  any  one,  at  the  time  ;  but  it  is  evident 
from  the  following  paper,  that  the  subject  occasioned 
him  some  solicitude. 


"duESTioN.  Is  it  right  for  Christians,  especially 
Christian  preachers,  to  receive  honorary  titles  1 " 


I.  What  say  the  Scriptures.' 


Theij  mention  four  sorts  of  ti- 
tles— 

1.  Civil  and  military,  as  kin^, 
nobleman,  ruler,  (.-Saoiiizog,  ao- 
;^uiv),  captain,  &c. 

2.  Ecclesiastical  or  spiritual 
simply,  as  prophet,  preacher, 
apostle,  teacher,  (SiSuoxaXo?).  All 
these,  if  1  mistake  not,  are  used 
appropriately. 

3.  Appellations  of  civility,  as 
Master,  Sir,  Lord,  (Ki'Qiog,  Domi- 
jius).  Master  commonly  denotes 
authority,  "  Servants,  obey  your 
(xvoioi:).''  Eph.  vi.  5.  "Be  not 
many  [SiSuaxaXoi)."  James  iii.  1. 
("  ETTiajura!)  we  perish."  Luke 
viii.  24.  (Ki-Qiog),  Sir,  Lord  — is 
applied  to  an  earthly  father,  "1 
go,  Sir ;" — to  Clirist  as  a  common 
appellation,  by  the  woman  of  Sa- 
maria; — to  Christ  as  a  divine  title, 
"  Lord,  Lord,  open  unto  us." 


It  is  clear  that  the  three  first 
classes  of  titles,  or  such  as  are 
merely  official,  or  appellations  of 
common  civility,  are  not  directly 
condemned  in  the  Bible.  They 
liave  been  usual,  and  deemed 
necessary  in  all  ages  and  coun- 
tries. Yet,  it  is  not  a  little  curi- 
ous, that  the  same  word  (xvQiog) 
should  be  applied  in  the  Scrip- 
tures indifferently  to  Jehovah,  to 
an  earthly  prince,  to  a  master  of  a 
family,  and  even  to  one  neighbor 
by  another. 

To  what  a  pitch  of  impiety 
have  reptile  kings  been  "stuck 
o'er  with  titles" — borrowed  from 
those  of  the  infinite  God  ! 


Thouglitless  ben 
they  bow  ! 


)  guilt,  and  turn 
on  Uoil— 

Eitli  whose  awful  eye 


4.  Titles  of  respect,  as  Rabbi,  The  4th  class  of  titles  were 
(Chaldaic.)  These  seem  to  lmve;those  coveted  by  the  Scribes  and 
been  applied  indefinitely  to  civil. , Pharisees  in  Clirist's  time.  They 
military,  or  ecclesiastical  otficc.j loved  chief  seats  and  greetings  in 
Nebuzaradan  was  Rabbi  of  the | the  market;  and  to  be  called  of 
guards.  Ashpenaz  was  Rabbi  of i  men.  Kitbhi.  "  But  be  not  (/c  called 
.the  eunuchs;  and  Daniel  RabbiiRabbi,  for  one  is  your  Master, even 
of  the  interpreters.  I  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren." 


64 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


The  term  Rabbi,  in  more  mod- 
ern times,  seems  to  have  been 
limited  to  ecclesiastical  office,  and 
conferred  by  vote  of  those  who 
possessed  it  before. 


On  this  passage  it  is  said, 
It  forbids  preachers  to  receive 
honorary  titles ;   because  Rabbi 
was    an    ecclesiastical    title  in 
Christ's  time. 

Ans.  1.  Some  have  replied, — 
Christ  spake  this  to  "  the  multi- 
tude and  to  /lis  disciples."  These 
men  were  not  preachers,  nor  can- 
didates for  ecclesiastical  dignity. 
An  exhortation  to  a  modern, 
mixed  assembly,  "  Be  not  called 
D.  D.,"  would  be  unintelligible. 

2.  These  Rabbis  claimed  to  be 
acknowledged  as  infallible  inter- 
pieters  of  God's  will,  and  dicta- 
tors of  others'  faith.  In  this. 
Christians  must  not  be  like  them. 

3.  It  was  not  their  crime  to 
be  greeted  in  the  market,  or  ad- 
dressed respectfully  by  others,  but 
they  loved  sounding  titles  ;  sought 
them  ;  claimed  them.  Their  vain 
ostentation  was  to  be  shunned  by 
Christians. 

4.  The  spirit  of  the  injunction 
then  is,  that  Christians,  especially 
Christian  preachers,  be  not  vain- 
glorious. 


II.  What  says  History  ? 


1.  Paul  had  no  doctorate,  nor| 
had  any  of  the  first  preachers  of 
the  gospel. 

2.  After  these  honorary  degrees 
began  to  be  given  on  the  conti- 
nent, some  of  the  first  and  best 
men  were  omitted,  as  Calvin  and 
others. 

3.  They  were  not  conferred  on 
Baxter,  Flavel,  etc. 

4.  This  degree  was  refused  by 
the  excellent  J.  Newton,  niid,  so 
it  is  said, by  A.  Fuller;  and  prnba- 
bly  would  have  been  by  President 
Edwards,  had  it  been  conferred. 


Ans.  1.  It  is  said  that  Paul  had 
no  degree  of  A.  B.  or  A.M. — 
and  that  literary  degrees  of  every 
sort  are  modern  things. 

a.  Luther  and  others  were  not 
omitted. 


3.  English  universities  have 
never  conferred  them  on  dis- 
senters. 

4.  Newton's  objection  was  that 
lie  was  not  a  literary  man.  But 
il  was  accepted  by  Watts,  Dod- 
dridoe,  and  others  in  England; 
by  Witlierspoon,  Hopkins,  Bel- 
lamy, J.  Edwards,  Jr.,  Increase 
Mather,  and  others  in  this  coun- 
try. 


LIFE. 


66 


III.  The  TENDE.Ncr  is  bad. 

1.  It  makes  a  distinction  amongi  1.  If  it  makes  any  distinction, 
men  who  are  equal  in  office.  it  is  only /(Vcrary,  not  o|^c;a/.  But 
2.  It  makes  7io  distinction,  be- 
cause it  is  so  often  conferred 
upon  boys  and  blockheads,  that 
it  ceases  to  denote  that  real  dLt- 
tinction  which  personal  and  offi- 
cial merit  establishes. 


'■'  The  rage  for  titles  on  earth,  especially  in  the  church,  is  one 
striking  mark  of  human  littleness.  The  style  of  the  Roman  pontiff, 
'  Your  Holiness' — of  the  Greek  patriarch,  '  Your  Holiness' — of 
the  Metropolitan,  '  Your  Beatitude  ; '  or  of  the  priest,  '  Your  old  age,' 
to  denote  wisdom,  especially  when  applied  to  young  men,  are 
sufficiently  ridiculous. 

"  And  the  modern  title  of  D.  D.  is  often  so  conferred  as  to  excite 
contempt.  He  that  can  look  at  facts  in  this  case,  and  then  be 
pleased  with  the  application  of  it  to  himself,  has  '  great  pride,  or 
little  sense.'  He  that  can  be  tickled  with  a  ring  or  rattle,  has  the 
heart  of  a  child,  and  not  of  a  minister. 

"  What  then  shall  a  sober  man  do  ?  If  he  refuses  this  title  on 
general  principles,  because  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel,  he  charges  a  long  list  of  such  worthies  as  Watts,  &c.  witli 
wearing  a  public  mark  of  pride  or  folly.  If  he  refuses  it  on 
principles  that  respect  himself  only,  he  is  liable  to  be  charged  with 
the  ostentation  of  humility;  and  really  needs  much  prayer  and 
heart-searching  to  be  certain  that  '  cursed  pride '  is  not  at  tlie 
bottom.  Too  much  noise  to  get  rid  of  this  contemptible  honor, 
'  resembles  ocean  into  tempest  wrought,  to  wafl  a  feather  or  to 
drown  a  fly.'  A  wise  man  would  not  kill  a  gnat,  by  a  blow  that 
might  fracture  his  leg. 

"  What  shall  I  do  ?  My  official  relations  involve  this  question  in 
peculiar  difficulties.    Lord,  direct  me," 


In  March,  1815,  Dr.  Porter  was  elected  President  of 
tlie  University  of  Vermont.  From  communications  ad- 
dressed to  him  in  connection  with  his  appointment,  it 
appears  that  the  institution  at  that  time,  was  in  a  broken 
state.  For  some  years,  the  attempt  on  the  part  of  certain 
6* 


66 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


of  its  trustees,  to  introduce  lax  theological  sentiments, 
had  created  unhappy  divisions,  and  exerted  a  deleterious 
influence  upon  its  interests.  Several  of  the  trustees  who 
entertained  evangelical  sentiments,  having  become  satis- 
fied that  the  college  could  not  under  these  circumstances 
become  what  they  desired  it  should  be,  had  resigned  their 
places ;  and  tiie  remainder  of  the  board,  fearing  that  the 
institution  might  expire  under  their  administration,  had 
surrendered  it  into  the  hands  of  the  State  legislature, 
in  whom  the  ultimate  control  of  it  was  vested.  Some 
changes  in  its  statutes  were  made ;  several  new  trustees 
were  elected,  and  another  effort  was  resolved  upon  to 
sustain  it.  But  an  application  having  been  made  for  the 
use  of  the  college  edifice,  to  accommodate  the  United 
States'  troops  then  stationed  in  the  vicinity,  it  was  ac- 
cepted ;  the  few  remaining  students  were  disbanded,  and 
the  officers  dismissed.  On  the  return  of  peace,  the 
trustees  again  determined  to  place  the  institution  on  a 
permanent  footing.  With  this  view,  they  resolved  to  elect 
officers,  whose  religious  sentiments  should  correspond  with 
those  of  the  patrons  of  the  college  generally ;  and  whose 
influence  would  warrant  the  hope  of  its  future  prosperity 
and  usefulness.  To  Dr.  Porter,  say  the  letters  from  which 
the  preceding  facts  are  collected,  the  eyes  of  the  trustees 
were  turned,  and  they  unanimously  concurred  in  his 
election  to  the  presidency.  This  appointment  he  thought 
it  his  duty  to  decline,  for  the  reasons  stated  in  the  sub- 
joined answer  to  the  trustees. 

"  TAe  Honorable  and  Reverend,  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
University  of  Vermont. 

"  Gentlemen, 

"  The  documents  certifying  your  election  of  me  as 
President  of  your  University,  have  been  communicated 


LIFE. 


67 


by  the  hand  of  Rev.  Mr.  Preston.  The  motives  wliich 
induced  the  board  to  make  this  election,  the  history  of  the 
establishment,  its  present  circumstances,  and  its  prospects, 
have  been  presented  to  my  mind  with  as  much  fidelity 
and  ability,  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Preston,  as  you  could 
desire. 

"  I  thank  you,  gentlemen,  for  this  public  testimony  of 
your  confidence  in  me,  as  one  whom  you  deem  qualified 
for  a  station,  so  arduous  and  responsible  as  that  which 
your  president  must  occupy.  The  question  has  indeed 
come  with  a  solemn  appeal  to  my  judgment  and  heart.  It 
is  one,  on  which  I  have  not  dared  to  act  without  deliberate 
reflection,  and  fervent  supplication  for  guidance  from  Him, 
whose  I  am,  and  whom  I  profess  to  serve.  I  have  con- 
sidered my  life  as  sacredly  devoted  to  the  Theological 
Seminary  with  which  I  am  connected ;  a  seminary  which 
probably  ought  not  to  be  considered  as  second  in  impor- 
tance to  any  other  in  this  land.  To  serve  the  church  in 
this  station,  I  left  an  affectionate  people  and  a  circle  of 
friends,  whom  I  love  most  tenderly.  To  leave  this  station, 
(with  the  duties  of  which  I  am  just  becoming  familiar,) 
and  remove  to  another  sphere  of  action,  would  be  a 
sacrifice,  to  which  nothing  but  the  most  obvious  and 
imperious  call  of  duty  would  reconcile  me.  There  is 
also  much  reason  to  fear  that  my  health  would  prove 
inadequate  to  the  various  and  difficult  duties  of  the  office 
to  which  you  invite  me;  especially,  as  my  constitution 
is  little  adapted  to  endure  the  severity  of  the  northern 
winter.  For  these  reasons,  I  am  sure  you  will  see  the 
propriety  of  my  declining  the  important  service,  to  which 
you  have  been  pleased  to  appoint  me.  I  do  this  with 
the  less  reluctance,  because  I  have  a  strong  hope  that 
Dr.  Austin  may  be  obtained;  a  full  confidence  that  he  is 
competent  to  the  undertaking ;  and  thus  that  my  decision 


68 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


in  the  case  will  ultimately  promote  the  interests  of  your 
establishment. 

"  With  .sentiments  of  great  respect, 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  yours  &,c. 

"  E.  Porter. 

"  The  Honorable  and  Reverend  Trustees  ) 
of  University  of  Vermont,"  j 

During  the  cold  season  of  1815-16,  Dr.  Porter  began 
to  be  apprehensive  that  he  should  not  be  able  to  endure 
another  northern  winter,  and  in  accordance  with  the 
united  advice  of  medical  and  other  friends,  he  determined 
to  spend  the  following  winter  in  a  milder  climate.  He 
embarked  at  New  York,  for  Charleston,  South  Carolina, 
Nov.  G,  1SI6.  After  spending  a  few  weeks  at  Charleston, 
enjoying  hospitalities  which  made  an  abiding  impression 
on  his  heart,  he  proceeded  to  Savannah  ;  thence  to  Au- 
gusta, and  thence  still  further  into  the  interior,  to  Wash- 
ington and  Sparta.  Most  of  the  winter  he  spent  in  Georgia. 
While  there  he  was  consulted  by  the  trustees  of  the  Georgia 
University,  respecting  an  election  to  the  presidency  of  that 
institution. 

The  effect  of  a  southern  climate  upon  Dr.  Porter  was  so 
favorable,  that  he  was  able  to  preach  one  or  more  sermons 
almost  every  Sabbath  during  his  absence.  From  his  let- 
ters, it  appears  that  he  found  a  very  interesting  field  for 
Christian  effort.  Alluding  to  his  absence  in  a  private 
report  to  the  trustees,  he  remarks  ; — "  Whatever  sacrifice 
to  the  seminary  or  to  myself  has  been  involved  in  this 
suspension  of  my  appropriate  duties,  as  being  directed  by 
an  all  perfect  Providence,  it  has  been  accompanied,  on  my 
part,  with  ample  reasons  for  submission  and  gratitude. 
Besides  the  benefit  derived  to  my  health,  from  a  southern 
excursion,  perhaps  no  equal  portion  of  my  life  has  fur- 
nished more  advantages  for  usefulness  to  the  church." 


LIFE. 


69 


He  assiduously  employed  himself  in  promoting  the  cause 
of  the  American  Education  Society,  which  had  but  just 
commenced  its  being ;  and  in  collecting  such  facts 
respecting  the  moral  condition  of  the  southern  States,  as 
he  hoped  successfully  to  employ,  after  his  return,  in 
awakening  an  interest  in  their  behalf.  Returning,  he 
travelled  the  whole  distance  on  horseback.  Having  re- 
ceived information,  on  his  way  homeward,  that  the  Massa- 
chusetts delegation  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres- 
byterian church  would  fail,  unless  he  would  serve  in  that 
capacity,  he  consented  to  remain  at  Philadelphia,  and 
attend  the  session  of  that  body.  He  reached  Andover  in 
June,  with  health  greatly  improved. 

In  February,  Dr.  Porter  was  elected  Professor  of  Di- 
vinity in  Yale  college,  the  intelligence  of  which  appoint- 
ment he  received  while'yet  in  Georgia.  Perhaps  no  station 
could  have  been  offered  him,  which  would  have  presented 
so  many  and  so  strong  inducements  to  remove  from 
Andover,  as  were  presented  in  this  appointment.  Connec- 
ticut was  his  native  State  ;  it  had  been  the  scene  of  his 
labors  and  enjoyments  as  a  pastor  ;  and  he  felt  most  ardent 
attachment  to  its  institutions  and  its  people.  Accepting 
the  appointment,  he  would  still  continue  in  his  chosen 
employment,  with  flattering  prospects  of  usefulness.  He 
would  be  called,  moreover,  to  co-operate  with  a  circle  of 
Christian  brethren,  whose  characters  he  had  long  known  ; 
in  whom  he  reposed  entire  confidence ;  and  to  some  of 
whom,  he  had  for  years  been  attached  by  personal  friend- 
ship. Yet  strong  as  were  the  inducements  to  remove,  he 
felt  that  paramount  obligations  bound  him  to  the  station 
he  then  occupied.  His  answer,  which  shows  how  deep 
an  impression  the  call  made  upon  his  heart,  and  what 
were  his  reasons  for  declining  it,  is  presented  to  the 
reader. 


70 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  To  the  Reverend  and  Honorable,  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College. 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  While  in  Georgia,  I  was  officially  informed,  that  you 
had  appointed  me  Professor  of  Divinity  in  Yale  college. 
The  considerations  by  which  my  views  of  duty,  relative  to 
this  important  subject,  were  to  be  determined,  were  laid 
before  me  by  your  committee,  on  my  return,  the  first  week 
in  June. 

"  The  importance  of  Yale  college  to  the  interests  of 
learning  and  religion  ;  its  pre-eminent  claims  to  public 
regard,  for  the  benefits  it  has  conferred  on  the  church  and 
on  the  world  ;  the  sore  bereavement  it  has  sustained  in 
the  death  of  its  late  illustrious  head ;  the  high  respect 
which  I  entertain  for  those  gentlemen  of  your  board,  with 
whom  I  have  the  honor  to  be  acquainted  ;  and  my  entire 
confidence  in  your  excellent  president  elect  and  professors, 
are  considerations  which  have  conspired  to  render  this 
subject  deeply  interesting.  I  might  add  that  a  removal  to 
New  Haven  would  be  especially  pleasant,  as  it  would 
gratify  feelings  of  immutable  attachment  to  my  native 
State,  and  would  bring  me  again  into  connection  with  a 
circle  of  ministers,  and  personal  friends,  whom  I  shall 
always  love  most  tenderly. 

"  But  gentlemen,  there  are  two  reasons  why  I  cannot 
view  it  as  my  duty  to  accept  this  appointment. 

"  The  first  is,  that  the  labor  of  staled  preaching,  espe- 
cially in  a  station  of  such  responsibility  as  that  to  which 
you  call  me,  is  one  to  which  my  health  is  inadequate.  I 
should  probably  sink  under  the  efforts  which  would  be 
requisite  in  any  tolerable  measure  to  fulfil  my  own  wishes 
or  the  expectations  of  the  public. 

"  1'he  second  reason  is,  that  so  far  as  I  have  any 
capacity  to  be  useful  to  the  church,  the  business  of  my 
present  office,  is  perhaps  as  well  adapted  to  my  constitution 


LIFE. 


71 


as  any  in  which  I  could  engage  ;  and  the  difficulty  of 
filling  my  place  here,  would,  in  the  opinion  of  all  who  are 
concerned  in  this  seminary,  be  at  least  as  great  as  that  of 
filling  the  vacant  office  at  Yale.  I  am  to  remember  too, 
that  Providence  has  placed  me  here,  and  to  justify  a 
removal,  there  must  be  such  a  decisive  preponderance  of 
motives  in  favor  of  the  measure,  as  I  cannot  perceive  to 
exist  in  the  present  case. 

"  With  assurances,  that  the  testimony  of  confidence  in 
me,  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  express,  will  always 
be  among  the  most  grateful  recollections  of  my  life,  and 
that  I  shall  never  cease  to  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  your 
beloved  college, 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully  yours  &,c. 

"  E.  Porter. 

'Mnrforer,  July  17,  1817." 


CHAPTER  VI. 


niness — Consulted  respecting  presidency  of  Hamilton  and  Middle- 
bury  colleges — Appointed  President  of  University  of  Georgia — 
Answer — Consulted  respecting  pastorship  of  Presbyterian  church 
in  Columbia,  S.  C. — Voyage  to  Charleston — Journal — Efforts  to 
raise  funds  for  indigent  students — Meets  President  Brown — 
Casualty — Return  to  Andover — Consulted  respecting  presidency 
of  South  Carolina  college. 

Very  soon  after  his  return,  he  visited  by  request  a  sick 
person  in  a  remote  part  of  Andover,  and  in  consequence 
of  exposure  while  performing  tliis  service,  had  a  severe 
attack  of  pleurisy  ;  a  disorder  of  which  he  was  ever  after 
a  frequent  subject.  The  period  which  elapsed  between 
his  recovery  from  this  illness,  and  the  winter  of  1819-20, 
he  spent  in  Andover,  diligently  and  happily  engaged  in  the 
duties  of  his  department,  visiting  occasionally  in  vacations 
the  springs  at  Saratoga,  from  whose  waters  he  frequently 
derived  much  benefit.  He  was  not  however  permitted  to 
continue  his  labors  without  repeated  solicitations  to  accept 
other  places  of  high  responsibility.  In  July,  1817,  he 
received  a  communication,  the  object  of  which  was  to 
ascertain  whether  if  elected  President  of  Hamilton  college, 
as  successor  to  Rev.  Dr.  Backus,  deceased,  there  would 
be  any  prospect  of  his  accepting  the  office.  And  in 
September  of  the  same  year  he  was  officially  offered  the 
presidency  of  Middlebury  college  ;  the  corporation  of  that 


LIFE. 


73 


institution  having  delegated  one  of  their  number  to  con- 
sult liim  respecting  the  probability  of  his  acceptance, 
previous  to  a  formal  election. 

In  November  1818,  he  was  chosen  President  of  the 
University  of  Georgia.  That  the  literary  and  religious 
community  of  that  State  had  become  deeply  interested  in 
him,  and  entertained  a  high  respect  for  his  character,  is 
evident  from  the  entire  unanimity  which  characterised  this 
appointment ;  and  from  the  numerous  and  urgent  letters 
from  men  of  the  first  respectability  and  influence,  which 
accompanied  or  followed  the  announcement  of  his  election. 
His  answer  to  the  trustees  will  best  show  how  he  regarded 
the  appointment,  and  his  reasons  for  declining  it.  In 
addition  to  the  motives  which  urged  his  acceptance,  men- 
tioned in  this  document,  were  a  noble  spirit  of  liberality 
manifest  in  the  proposals  respecting  his  removal  and  sub- 
sequent support ;  and  the  fact  that  about  that  time  an 
increased  interest  in  the  education  of  youth  was  awakened 
in  that  community, — that  men  of  intelligence  especially 
were  uniting  in  vigorous  efibrt  to  furnish  among  them- 
selves adequate  means  of  literary  and  religious  instruction. 

"  To  the  Seiialus  Academicus,  and  the  Board  of  Trustees,  of 
the  University  of  Georgia. 

"  Gentlemen, 

"  The  official  documents,  announcing  my  appoint- 
ment to  the  Presidency  of  your  University  were  duly 
received.  Permit  me  to  return  my  sincere  acknowledg- 
ments for  this  testimony  of  your  friendly  regard,  and  for 
the  very  handsome  manner  in  which  it  is  expressed.  In 
forming  my  judgment  on  a  subject  of  so  much  magnitude, 
as  connected  with  the  general  interests  of  religion  and 
learning,  and  so  deeply  involving  my  personal  happiness, 
and  that  of  my  family,  some  delay  was  unavoidable. 
"  Several  considerations  have  urged  my  acceptance  of 
7 


74 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


this  invitation.  In  the  early  endowment  provided  for 
your  university,  I  have  perceived  an  encouraging  pledge 
of  that  public  patronage,  which  is  so  essential  to  its  pros- 
perity. The  aid  which  your  President  may  probably 
render,  in  forming  the  literary  institutions  of  a  State 
rapidly  advancing  in  wealth,  inhabited  by  a  people 
generous  and  enterprising,  and  destined  to  hold  a  dis- 
tinguished rank  in  this  great  country,  attaches  a  high 
importance,  in  my  estimation,  to  the  office  wliich  you 
have  been  pleased  to  confer  on  me.  Your  genial  climate, 
too,  would  afford  a  refuge  from  the  northern  winter, 
peculiarly  favorable  to  my  health. 

"  But,  gentlemen,  after  mature  reflection  on  this  inter- 
esting subject,  I  think  it  my  duty  to  decline  the  station 
to  which  you  invite  me.  I  have  considered  my  life  as 
sacredly  devoted  to  the  Theological  Seminary  with  which 
I  am  connected,  and  to  serve  the  interests  of  which,  I 
left  an  affectionate  people,  and  a  circle  of  beloved  friends 
in  Connecticut.  The  elevated  objects  for  which  this 
seminary  was  established,  and  the  ample  means  with 
which  it  is  furnished  for  the  promotion  of  these  objects, 
induce  me  to  believe,  that,  so  far  as  I  have  any  capacity 
for  usefulness,  it  may  be  more  advantageously  employed 
in  my  present  station,  than  in  any  other  to  which  I  could 
remove.  There  is  one  more  consideration,  which  of 
itself,  perhaps  ought  to  be  decisive  in  this  case  ;  I  mean 
the  special  relation  which  I  sustain  to  a  distinguished 
benefactor  of  this  seminary,  whose  liberality  towards  ij 
has  scarcely  any  parallel  in  modern  times.  These  views 
of  the  subject,  especially  the  last,  which  will  be  readily 
appreciated  by  gentlemen  of  enlarged  and  honorable  feel- 
ings, have  presented  an  insurmountable  obstacle  to  my 
removal. 

"  Allow  me  to  add  gentlemen,  that  I  shall  cherish  a 
grateful  recollection  of  your  partial  regard  to  me,  and  I 


LIFE. 


75 


shall  rejoice  in  any  service,  however  small,  which  it  may 
be  in  my  power  to  render  the  literary  institution  of  which 
you  are  the  guardians. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  yours,  with  sentiments  of  great 
respect,  E.  Porter." 

A  few  months  previous  to  the  invitation  from  the 
Georgia  university,  the  committee  of  the  Presbyterian 
church,  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  appointed  to  procure  a  pastor, 
being  aware  that  Dr.  Porter's  constitution  but  ill  sustained 
a  northern  winter,  and  supposing  that  he  might  on  that 
account  prefer  a  southern  residence,  expressed  their 
desire  that  he  would  consent  to  receive  a  call  from  that 
church. 

During  the  autumn  of  1819,  he  and  his  friends  were 
apprehensive  that  a  change  of  climate  for  the  winter 
might  again  be  indispensable.  Unwilling  to  suspend  his 
labors,  however,  unless  compelled  to  do  it,  he  continued 
them  with  occasional  interruptions  until  February,  when 
it  became  obvious  that  prudence  demanded  rest,  and 
resort  to  a  milder  atmosphere.  He  embarked  at  New- 
buryport,  Feb.  18,  1820,  for  Chaileston,  "having  re- 
ceived," to  use  his  own  language,  "  every  expression  of 
paternal  kindness,"  from  his  venerable  friend  and  patron, 
Mr.  Bartlet.  The  vessel  did  not  arrive  at  Charleston  till 
the  20th  of  March ;  the  passage  having  been  not  only 
unusually  protracted  on  account  of  "  continual  head 
winds,"  but  unpleasant  on  account  of  "  heavy  breezes, 
and  frequent  thunder  squalls."  The  voyage  was,  on  the 
whole,  favorable  to  his  health.  A  few  extracts  from  a 
very  brief  journal  of  this  voyage,  will  interest  the  reader. 

"  During  this  passage,  several  things  which  have  long 
been  familiar  to  me,  impressed  my  mind  with  increased 
interest. 


76 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  1.  The  power  of  habit. 

"  This  appeared  in  the  capacity  of  the  seamen  to  walk 
the  deck  steadily  during  the  rolling  and  pitching  of  the 
ship;  in  the  skill  with  which  they  climbed  ropes,  and 
mounted  to  the  top-yards  and  maintained  their  hold  there 
to  reef  and  unreef  the  sails,  during  a  violent  gale,  in 
which  they  were  swung  from  side  to  side,  perhaps  twenty 
feet  in  a  second,  with  the  rolling  of  the  ship ;  while  not 
one  landsman  in  ten,  if  placed  there,  would  keep  his  hold 
a  second. 

"  Nothing  in  my  experience  compares  at  all  to  the 
motions  of  a  ship,  except  those  of  land  carriages.  When 
one  of  these  vehicles,  by  any  sudden  declivity  or  vio- 
lence is  thrown  upon  one  side,  so  as  greatly  to  change 
the  angle  of  its  axis  with  the  plane  of  the  horizon,  the 
apprehension  of  upsetting  inclines  one  instinctively  to 
throw  his  weight  toward  the  elevated  side.  This  same 
motion  on  board  a  rocking  ship,  though  so  natural  to  a 
landsman  that  he  will  certainly  adopt  it  on  first  going  to 
sea,  is  needless,  and  to  seamen  appears  ridiculous.  Now, 
considering  the  contrast  betwixt  the  feelings  of  a  mariner, 
and  mine,  in  a  gale  at  sea,  and  this  contrast  resulting 
from  the  mete  force  of  habit;  it  becomes  a  solemn 
question,  how  far  even  my  religious  opinions,  and  sensi- 
bilities, and  associations,  may  be  influenced  by  this  in- 
visible, but  powerful  principle, — habit. 

"  2.  The  influence  of  men's  interest  on  their  opinions, 
"  Our  sixteen  days  of  head  winds  made  us  all  weather 
prophets.  And  so  it  happened  that  we  were  generally 
agreed  in  construing  the  prognostics  of  each  day  in  our 
own  favor,  while  the  fact  almost  as  constantly  turned  out 
agamst  us.  When  we  spoke  the  master  of  a  vessel  and 
inquired  his  opinion  as  to  the  probable  course  of  the  wind, 
I  could  pretty  accurately  anticipate  his  answer  if  I  knew 
what  point  of  compass  he  wished  himself  to  steer.   In  tho 


LIFE. 


77 


present  case,  the  mistake  was  almost  invariably  harmless ; 
but  the  same  principle  may  lead  to  mistakes  in  opinion, 
fraught  with  infinite  mischief.  Nothing  indeed  can  be 
more  obvious  than  that  in  the  most  important  of  all  con- 
cerns, our  religious  belief,  the  temper  of  the  heart  guards 
the  avenues  to  the  judgment,  and  modifies  the  evidence 
on  which  its  decisions  are  formed.  An  impartial  result 
can  hardly  be  expected  where  passion  or  interest  stands 
by,  and  sets  her  invisible  foot  on  whichever  side  of  the 
balance  she  pleases. 

"3.  The  utility  of  comparison  and  coutrast,  to  our 
intellectual  operations  and  enjoyments. 

"On  the  turnpike,  the  traveller  notes  his  progress  by 
mile-stones.  The  savage  in  the  forest  is  guided  by  marks 
on  the  trees,  and  exhilarated  by  seeing  the  rock,  or  moun- 
tain, or  morass,  or  river  to  which  he  is  accustomed.  But 
on  the  ocean,  all  is  one  wide,  unvarying,  unmeaning 
uniformity.  We  accommodate  our  sails  and  helm  to 
changing  winds ; — but  the  '  parted  wave '  retains  '  no 
furrow  from  the  keel.'  We  struggle  against  opposing 
gales  and  currents ;  we  cross  our  own  track  twenty  times 
without  perceiving  it,  till  at  the  end  of  a  week,  the  sun 
breaks  from  the  clouds,  and  shows  us  by  the  aid  of  a 
quadrant,  that  we  are  farther  from  our  port,  than  when 
the  week  began. 

"  To  the  youthful  mind,  the  progress  of  life  is  marked 
by  the  novelty  and  contrast  of  its  varied  scenes,  and  a 
year  is  a  long  period.  But  in  more  advanced  age  this 
variety  to  most  men  is  succeeded  by  a  dull  uniformity, 
time  flies,  and  eternity  approaches  unperceived,  and  death 
closes  the  scene  in  an  unexpected  moment. 

"  4.  The  spiritual  state  of  men  must  be  very  much 
affected  by  professional  pursuits  and  circumstances. 

"  During  my  passage  to  Carolina,  there  were  very  few 
days,  (the  Sabbaths  not  excepted)  in  which  the  seamen 
7* 


78 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


vrere  not  constantly  employed,  or  liable  at  any  moment  to 
be  called  upon,  in  managing  the  ship.  Of  course  reading 
the  Scriptures  and  secret  prayer,  must  be  attended  with 
much  irregularity,  even  by  a  pious  sailor ;  and  I  presQme 
that  a  vigorous  piety  is  never  maintained  without  sys- 
tematic attention  to  these  duties.  The  habits  of  seamen 
are  therefore  formed  in  circumstances  extremely  unfa- 
vorable to  religious  meditation ;  of  necessity,  they  are 
generally  without  Christian  teachers,  without  stated  public 
worship,  without  opportunity  to  read ;  and  therefore  of 
choice,  without  religious  books  and  retirement. 

"  Besides,  the  great  fatigue  and  exposure  to  which  they 
are  occasionally  called,  tempt  them  to  intoxicating  drink 
to  a  degree  which  benumbs  their  moral  sensibilities,  and 
'sears  their  consciences'  with  a  corrosive  more  fatal  than 
that  of  a  '  hot  iron.' 

"  These  circumstances  furnish  a  great  contrast  to  the 
condition  of  one,  trained  up  in  the  bosom  of  Christian 
society,  and  accustomed  to  all  the  restraints  and  privileges 
of  a  Christian  family.  Comparatively  we  may  say  he  can 
hardly  avoid  religious  impressions;  and  though  we  cannot 
estimate  probabilities  with  exactness,  in  such  a  case,  he  is 
far  more  likely  to  be  saved  than  if  he  had  been  destined 
to  navigate  the  ocean.  But  if  he  perishes,  his  guilt  must 
be  beyond  all  computation  aggravated. 

"May  1.   When  I  came  to  Carolina  Mr.   ,  a 

pious,  benevolent,  wealthy  and  highly  respectable  man, 
in  advanced  life,  was  suffering  with  a  morbid  affection 
of  one  of  his  limbs.  He  however  became  better,  received 
company,  rode  out,  and  for  two  weeks  appeared  to  be 
evidently  recovering.  But  suddenly  this  local  affection 
became  a  general  one,  and  laid  him  on  a  bed  of  languish- 
ing, for  a  few  days,  during  which  his  reason  was  occa- 
sionally staggered,  and  after  exhibiting  much  Christian 
resignation,  he  expired,  greatly  and  justly  lamented. 


LIFE. 


79 


"  Two  things  impressed  me  deeply  respecting  the  death 
of  this  good  man. 

"  1.  The  fact  that  while  his  end  was  approaching,  not 
by  doubtful  steps,  but  by  a  definite  and  certain,  and 
speedy  progress,  (for  his  limb  was  mortified,)  he  was  not 
informed  of  his  condition,  except  as  it  must  have  been  in 
some  measure  revealed  to  him  by  circumstances. 

"  The  motives  of  friends  in  this  case  were  unques- 
tionably good.    Mr.   had  been  long  and  eminently 

pious.  His  preparation  for  death  could  not  be  doubted ; 
and  it  was  feared  that  a  disclosure  of  its  near  approach 

might  distress  him.    Mrs.   ,  who  is  in  all  respects 

a  worthy  partner  of  so  worthy  a  husband,  shrunk,  I  am 
told  from  the  anguish  of  an  explicit  parting,  on  her  own 
account  as  well  as  his.  But  while  the  delicate  sensibility 
which  led  to  this  course  is  greatly  to  be  respected,  I 
cannot  but  think  it  inconsistent  with  those  enlarged  and 
exalted  views  which  the  death  bed  of  a  Christian  is 
adapted  to  inspire.  When  the  finger  of  Providence  points 
distinctly  to  his  last  hour,  why  should  we  cover  his  eyes? 
Why  deny  ourselves  the  comfort  of  his  parting  counsels 
and  blessing ;  and  him  the  privilege  of  honoring  his 
Saviour  and  his  Christian  hope,  in  the  last  conflict,  and 
of  meeting  that  conflict  by  a  little  season  of  special 
preparation?  O  how  unmeaning  is  the  commiseration 
which  says  of  such  an  one,  '  Poor  man,  he  is  dead  and 
gone;' — when  a  thousand  worlds  would  not  tempt  him  to 
reoccupy  his  fallen  tabernacle  of  clay.* 

"  2.  Mr.    had  been,  habitually,  a  beneficent 

*  An  instance  of  the  triumph  of  faith  in  a  pious  Africnn,  came  to 
Dr.  Porter's  knowledge  in  one  of  his  southern  excursions,  wliich 

so  deeply  impressed  him  that  he  recorded  it.  "  A  Christian 

negro,  on  his  death  bed,  when  he  was  called  'poor  Powpty,'  said — 
'  No  say  poor  Pompey  now,  I  king  Pompey.'  "  To  the  record  Dr.  P. 
added  the  remark,  "  Pagan  Athens  furnished  no  parallel  of  sub- 
limity." 


80 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


man.  Towards  objects  of  compassion,  still  more  towards 
objects  of  public  utility,  and  peculiarly  towards  objects 
embracing  the  interests  of  evangelical  religion,  his  heart 
was  always  expected  to  feel  with  tender  sensibility  ;  and, 
of  course,  the  solicitors  of  charity  by  whom  Charleston  has 
been  as  often  visited  as  any  other  spot  of  the  United  States, 
were  accustomed  to  resort  to  Mr.  as  a  liberal  pat- 
ron of  every  good  enterprize.  As  he  had  but  two  daughters, 
whose  personal  accomplishments  had  secured  them  very 
advantageous  matrimonial  connections,  and  as  his  property 
was  supposed  to  be  about  half  a  million  of  dollars,  it  was 
confidently  expected  that  large  donations  would  be  found 
in  his  will  to  some  of  the  great  charities  of  this  day.  I  am 
told  that  these  donations  were  but  two,  amounting  only  to 
one  thousand  dollars. 

"Now,  I  cannot  account  for  this  fact,  without  supposing, 
in  the  first  place,  that  his  will  must  have  been  of  long 
standing,  and  so  made  under  the  refrigerant  influence  of 
that  dreary  night  from  which  the  church  is  but  just  begin- 
ning to  awake.  Or,  in  the  next  place,  that  false  views  of 
family  distinction  and  consequence,  to  which  wealth  so 
much  contributes,  especially  in  this  region,  must  have  had 
undue  influence  on  the  good  man's  judgment.  If  this 
latter  supposition  is  the  true  one,  it  only  furnishes  a  new 
proof  how  much  the  Christian,  who  associates  with  the 
first  rank  of  the  wealthy  and  fashionable,  needs  to  guard 
his  heart  with  increasing  vigilance,  against  the  insinuating 
and  seductive  influence  of  maxims  adopted  by  worldly  men, 
while  they  are  in  direct  hostility  to  the  principles  of  the 
gospel.  O,  when  shall  the  combined  instruction  of  experi- 
ence and  of  revelation,  teach  wealthy  Christians  that  there 
are  nobler  ends  to  which  tlieir  money  may  be  applied  than 
to  transmit  a  large  estate  to  heirs,  even  could  they  have 
assurance  that  it  will  not  be  abused — but  especially  when 
it  so  often  proves  a  rock  to  shipwreck  the  comfort,  the 


LIFE. 


81 


reputation,  and  the  souls  of  their  children  !  Before  the 
prosperous  Christian  is  called  into  eternity,  it  is  important 
that  he  should  have  at  least  a  few  hours  to  fix  an  unwaver- 
ing eye  upon  its  realities,  to  dispel  the  blur  with  which 
worldly  attachments  and  habits  may  have  obstructed  his 
spiritual  vision. 

"  May  5.  John's  Island.  In  addition  to  the  common 
courtesies  afforded  to  strangers,  in  this  hospitable  region, 
I  am  favored  with  opportunities  to  ride,  at  my  own  pleasure, 
on  horseback  or  in  a  chair.  After  riding  a  mile  or  two 
this  morning,  the  sky  became  suddenly  overcast,  and  it 
began  to  rain  before  I  was  aware  that  I  was  in  danger  of 
being  wet.  As  I  had  neither  surtout  nor  umbrella,  I 
resorted  to  an  adjacent  plantation,  where  I  found  a  pleas- 
ant family,  who  welcomed  me  to  a  retreat  from  the  shower, 
and  offered  me  a  chaise  to  guard  me  on  my  return,  and  a 
servant  to  accompany  me  on  my  saddle. 

"  While  the  shower  lasted  I  entered  into  conversation 
with  a  young  gentleman,  who  had  spent  one  winter  at  the 
Philadelphia  medical  school,  and  expected  to  spend 
another  winter  in  hearing  the  same  course  of  lectures  read 
a  second  time,  having  also  taken  the  precaution  to  hire 
them  transcribed  against  the  next  winter.  By  this  passive 
process  he  expected  to  become  a  learned  physician. 

"  Now  to  one  who  has  lived  to  any  good  purpose  in  this 
world,  nothing  can  be  more  certain  than  that  men  are 
made  by  their  own  efforts ;  and,  allowing  for  the  obvious 
difference  in  native  powers,  the  substantial  qualities  for 
usefulness,  which  any  one  will  possess  at  the  age  of  forty, 
depend  on  the  single  article  industry.  The  whole  sys- 
tem of  instruction  by  public  lectures,  as  it  exists  in  Euro- 
pean seminaries,  without  collateral  exercises  to  drill  and 
invigorate  the  minds  of  young  men,  is  adapted  to  make 
literary  dunces,  rather  than  scholars.  And  the  cases  are 
few  in  which  the  ardor  and  enterprize  of  the  pupil  can  in 


82 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


any  good  measure  be  relied  on,  as  a  substitute  for  those 
excitements  to  daily  and  diligent  study  which  the  univer- 
sity itself  ought  to  furnish." 

Wliile  Dr.  Porter's  stay  in  Charleston  and  the  vicinity 
obviously  promoted  his  convalescence,  it  gave  him  oppor- 
tunity to  pursue  study  with  much  greater  facilities  than  he 
could  have  enjoyed  at  home.  He  was  also  usefully  em- 
ployed in  raising  funds  for  the  American  Education  Society, 
and  for  indigent  young  men  residing  at  the  Theological 
Seminary.  As  the  Education  Society  did  not,  at  that  time, 
extend  appropriations  to  its  beneficiaries  in  their  profes- 
sional course,  Dr.  Porter  was,  in  this  way,  instrumental  in 
affording  very  timely  and  important  relief  to  many  young 
men,  who  on  account  of  indigence  despaired  of  enjoying 
the  course  of  theological  instruction  prescribed  by  the 
statutes  of  the  seminary.  Several,  indeed,  who  are  now 
occupying  stations  of  distinguished  usefulness,  gratefully 
acknowledged  to  him  their  indebtedness  to  this  aid  alone, 
for  ability  to  pursue  a  full  couise  of  professional  study. 
Of  the  funds  which  he  procured  lor  the  special  benefit  of 
young  men  at  the  seminary,  he  took  the  sole  management 
while  he  lived. 

While  in  Charleston,  Dr.  Porter  met  the  lamented 
President  Brown  of  Dartmouth  college,  who  with  his  wife, 
having  spent  the  preceding  winter  in  the  interior  of  Caro- 
lina, had  just  returned  to  that  place  with  the  design  of 
proceeding  homeward  by  land.  This  design.  Dr.  Porter, 
who  viewed  him  as  near  his  end,  considered  perilous, 
and  attempted  to  dissuade  him  from  it ;  but  finding  his 
purpose  fixed,  he  kindly  afforded  liim  all  the  encourage- 
ment and  aid  in  his  power.  In  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Porter,  he 
remarks. — "  My  expectation  is  that  he  will  never  see  New 
England.  It  grieves  me  to  think  on  the  case  of  this 
respectable  and  afflicted  man.    But  I  will  not  say,  '  how 


LIFE. 


83 


dark  are  the  ways  of  Providence  !' — for  there  is  no  dark- 
ness except  what  results  from  my  own  defective  vision  ; 
and  I  hope  to  meet  this  dear  man,  and  that  at  no  very 
distant  period,  in  a  state  where  it  will  be  more  manifest 
than  hitherto  it  has  been,  that  '  God  is  light,  and  in  him 
there  is  no  darkness  at  all.'" 

A  few  days  before  Dr.  Porter  intended  to  return  to  New 
England,  an  incident  occurred,  which,  but  for  the  kind 
interposition  of  his  heavenly  protector,  might  have  termi- 
nated his  life.  The  circumstances  are  thus  related  in  the 
journal  from  which  the  preceding  extracts  are  taken. 

"  Charleston,  May  27,  1820.  One  week  ago  to-day,  I 
stepped  into  a  chair  to  ride  down  to  the  wharf,  and  inquire 
as  to  the  practicability  of  sailing  for  Savannah,  a  measure 
I  had  for  some  time  contemplated.  In  the  middle  of  the 
city,  near  Union  Bank,  the  horse  took  fright,  and  running 
a  few  rods,  came  directly  against  a  brick  wall  at  right 

angles  with  the  street  we  had  been  in.    Mr.  C  ,  the 

gentleman  who  was  driving,  and  myself,  were  precipitated 
on  the  side  walk  with  great  violence.  I  fell  on  my  left 
side,  receiving  a  contusion  in  the  chest,  just  where  my 
pocket  book  full  of  papers,  was  interposed  betwixt  my  body 
and  the  stones  of  the  side  walk.  At  the  same  instant  my 
head  struck  the  pavement,  just  above  my  left  ear  and  on 
the  back  of  it,  and  my  left  hip  was  severely  bruised.  The 
horse  was  young  and  athletic,  and  frantic  with  terror.  A 
post  and  a  tree  prevented  his  wheeling  to  the  left ;  and  in 
wheeling  the  other  way,  he  passed  directly  over  me  with 
several  violent  leaps.  At  this  moment  he  set  his  foot  on 
my  forehead,  and  another  foot  on  my  right  leg.  By  the 
time  he  had  gone  back  about  five  rods,  where  he  dashed 
the  chair  in  pieces,  I  had  recovered  my  feet ;  and  from 
the  regular  exercise  of  my  mind,  at  the  instant,  perceived 
that  my  brain  had  not  sustained  a  fatal  injury.    A  crowd 


84 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


of  people  assembled  at  once,  proffering  me  their  aid.  I 
walked  a  few  steps  to  a  boarding  house,  and  was  soon 
visited  by  two  respectable  physicians.  After  blood-letting, 
by  which  the  difhculty  of  respiration,  occasioned  by  the 
concussion  in  my  chest,  subsided,  I  returned  in  a  car- 
riage to  Mr.  O'Neale's,  where  I  received  every  attention, 
not  only  that  my  case  required,  but  that  the  most  assiduous 
kindness  could  suggest." 

In  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Porter  of  the  same  date,  he  adds  : — 
"  I  continued  to  mend  of  the  soreness  and  bruises  :  on 
Wednesday  rode  out,  and  every  day  since  ;  and  to  tell 
you  all  that  need  be  said  in  a  word,  though  I  had  a  hair- 
breadth escape  from  instant  death,  and  though  I  shall  of 
course  bo  thrown  back  some  days,  as  to  general  health,  it 
is  my  deliberate  opinion  that  God  does  not  design  any 
lasting  injury  to  my  frail  body  from  this  occurrence.  A 
few  days  more  of  caution,  as  to  cold  and  effort,  will  I  trust 
remove  all  the  inconvenience  that  remains  of  the  fall.  I 
give  Mrs.  O'Neale  the  credit  of  being  the  best  nurse  I 
have  ever  found,  except  my  wife.  Indeed  this  is  pre-emi- 
nently the  region  of  kindness  to  strangers.  The  Lord 
bless  this  dear  family,  and  reward  them  a  thousand  fold.* 


*  Mr.  and  Mrs.  O  Neale,  both  since  deceased,  belonged  to  a  circle 
of  friends  in  Cliarleston  and  the  vicinity,  to  whom  Dr.  Porter  became 
strongly  attached,  and  to  whose  generous  hospitality  he  felt  himself 
deeply  indebted.  Their  kindness  he  mentions  more  frequently, 
because  after  having  tendered  to  liim  the  hospitality  of  their  house 
as  a  guest,  tliey  consented,  at  his  urgent  request,  to  admit  him  aa 
one  of  tlieir  family,  and  to  receive  such  remuneration,  as  the  usual 
charge  for  board  could  make,  for  services  which  to  him  were 
invaluable;  and  which  can  be  adequately  rewarded  only  by  Him 
who  hath  said,  that  those  who  minister  to  his  disciples  because 
they  are  his,  shall  in  no  wise  lose  their  reward.  During  several 
of  his  last  visits  to  Charleston,  he  was  permitted  to  find  a  home  in 
this  excellent  family — a  home  rendered  all  that  he  could  wish,  by 
unwearied  kindness. 


LIFE. 


85 


"  During  repeated  absences  and  long  journies,  in  which 
I  have  been  separated  from  you,  my  dear  wife,  this  is  the 
first  time  that  I  have  been  snatched  from  the  door  of 
death.  God  has  protected  me  while  travelling  thousands 
of  miles  among  rocks,  and  has  sent  me  here  to  be  dashed 
on  those  imported  from  my  own  country.  May  he  give 
me  trrace  to  improve  the  residue  of  my  spared  life  in  an 
acceptable  manner.  I  bless  his  name  that  in  a  moment 
when  sudden  death  was  before  me,  I  had  no  distressing 
emotions.  Though  I  have  been  an  unprofitable  servant, 
and  there  are  many  things  which  I  wish  and  hope  to  do 
in  my  great  Master's  work,  still,  at  my  Master's  call,  I 
would  desire  to  leave  this  world  cheerfully  :  and  for  some 
time  have  regarded  it  as  my  habitual  duty  to  leave  nothing 
unfinished,  which  should  fill  me  with  reluctance  to  obey 
that  call,  however  suddenly  it  may  .come." 

Dr.  Porter  reached  Andover  the  latter  part  of  June,  and 
resumed  his  duties  with  health  greatly  improved. 

From  letters  written  the  latter  part  of  1820  and  the  begin- 
ning of  1821,  it  appears  that  many  of  the  friends  of  religion 
and  learning  in  South  Carolina,  were  very  solicitous  that 
Dr.  Porter  should  succeed  to  the  presidency  of  the  college 
in  that  State,  left  vacant  by  the  death  of  Rev.  Dr.  Maxcy. 
These  letters  contain  urgent  requests  that  he  would  permit 
himself  to  be  named  to  the  trustees  for  that  ofiice,  and 
that  he  would  give  some  encouragement  that  if  elected, 
he  would  accept  the  appointment.  It  is  not  known  what 
were  his  feelings  on  this  subject,  but  we  may  infer  that 
the  considerations  which  induced  him  to  decline  similar 
calls  to  other  institutions,  would,  if  in  this  instance  he  had 
been  elected,  have  prevented  his  acceptance. 


8 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Voyage  to  Baltimore — Letters — Voyage  to  Charleston— Memoranda 
— Returning,  attends  General  Assembly — Consulted  respecting 
presidency  of  Dartmouth  College. 

In  the  fall  vacation  of  1820,  hoping  to  confirm  his 
health  to  such  a  degree  as  would  enable  him  to  spend  the 
approaching  winter  in  Andover,  Dr.  Porter  determined  by 
advice  of  medical  friends,  on  a  voyage  from  Boston  to 
Baltimore.  Being,  on  this  excursion,  without  companions 
of  congenial  feelings,  and  having  but  indifferent  accom- 
modations, he  sought  relief  in  noting  the  reflections 
suggested  by  his  circumstances.  To  Mrs.  Porter  he  thus 
writes : — 

"Schooner  Helen,  of  Nantucket,  Oct.  12, 1820. 
"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  Friends  who  are  sometimes  separated,  it  is  rea- 
sonable to  believe  feel  an  increase  of  mutual  attachment 
from  such  separation.  The  constitution  of  human  minds 
and  the  testimony  of  experience  on  other  subjects,  might 
lead  us  to  expect  this.  The  uninterrupted  enjoyment  of 
each  other's  society,  which  is  allowed  to  most  husbands 
and  wives,  renders  their  happiness,  when  it  deserves  this 
name,  scarcely  perceptible  to  themselves;  whereas  an 
occasional  separation  awakens  the  tender  recollection  of 


LIFE. 


87 


kind  offices,  which  perhaps  might  otherwise  never  have 
been  properly  estimated;  strengthens  the  consciousness 
of  mutual  dependence;  recalls  the  absent  friend  with 
the  most  advantageous  associations  of  endearment ;  and 
prepares  the  mind  to  overlook  tliose  minor  irritations, 
inseparable  almost  from  all  relations  that  exist  among 
human  beings.  From  these  remarks,  I  of  course  except 
the  cases  of  frequent  or  long  absence,  which  change  the 
order  of  social  affections  and  habits  ; — such  cases  as  those 
in  which  one  head  of  a  family  is  always  on  sea,  and  the 
other  on  land.  But  whether  or  not  the  amount  of  happi- 
ness, in  such  separations  as  those  to  which  you  and  I  have 
been  called,  is  increased,  it  is  doubtless  rendered  more 
vivid  and  sensible ;  for  men  in  health  scarcely  think  that 
a  quiet  respiration  is  any  favor,  while  its  enjoyment  is 
indescribable  to  one  just  recovered  from  a  paroxysm  of 
asthma. 

"  In  these  remarks  you  will  perceive  that  I  am  seeking 
consolation,  in  view  of  our  parting  last  evening;  and  I 
suppose  you  will  allow  it  to  be  the  part  of  wisdom  to 
*  educe  good  from  ill.'  I  should  indeed  accuse  myself  of 
strange  insensibility,  not  to  leave  with  painful  reluctance, 
such  a  home  as  mine,  doubly  dear  to  me,  since  the  deli- 
cate state  of  my  health  has  rendered  your  kind  offices  so 
valuable  to  me,  as  to  make  it  impossible  that  I  should 
find  any  equivalent  for  them  abroad.  As  I  have  deter- 
mined to  write  you  a  long  letter,  I  seize  this  calm  day  to 
begin  it,  knowing  that  to-morrow  we  may  be  tossing  on 
the  angry  waves,  so  that  I  cannot  hold  my  pen,  if  indeed 
I  can  hold  up  my  head.  If  our  domestic  arrangements 
had  permitted  you  to  attend  me,  I  perceive  that  the 
interior  accommodations  of  this  vessel  would  have  been 
to  you  a  painful  contrast  to  the  comforts  of  your  own 
parlor  and  chamber;  and  if  you  had  been  as  sick  as  two 


88 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


young  ladies  on  board,  it  would  have  been  a  source  of 
much  uneasiness  to  me. 

"  Among  the  millions  that  compose  this  busy,  bustling 
world,  I  am  really,  as  well  as  comparatively,  of  little  con- 
sequence ;  and  yet  I  am  aware  that  such  is  the  arrange- 
ment, which  Providence  for  the  best  reasons  has  estab- 
lished, that  you  will  be  interested  to  know  that  my  head 
does  not  ache,  nor  my  pulse  throb  with  fever ;  nor  my 
stomach  loathe  food.  Indeed  I  know  that  it  is  no  im- 
peachment of  your  benevolence  to  presume,  that  in  some 
respects  my  comfort  is  more  important  to  you  than  that 
of  all  Asia.  It  gives  me  pleasure  therefore  to  assure  you, 
that  our  heavenly  Father  smiles  unexpectedly  on  this  little 
enterprise  which  I  have  undertaken.  I  am  much  relieved 
of  my  cold.  You  must  not  be  anxious  respecting  me. 
God  is  my  preserver ;  and  on  sea  or  land,  I  am  immortal 
till  my  work  is  done.  Take  care  of  your  health,  in  the 
absence  of  your  affectionate  husband." 

The  preceding  letter,  which  Dr.  Porter  had  expected 
to  commit  to  the  mail  in  Baltimore,  he  sent  the  day  after 
it  was  written  from  Barnstable,  whither  they  were  driven 
by  a  head  wind.   During  the  passage,  he  again  wrote  : — 

"  Schooner  Helen,  Oct.  12,  1820.  > 
"  Vff  Maryland  shore.  ) 

"  My  dear  Lucy, 

"  I  perceive  my  letter,  begun  soon  after  leaving  port, 
should  have  been  dated  13th  and  not  12th.  The  14th 
we  beat  against  head  winds  through  Martha's  Vineyard 
Sound,  and  anchored  for  the  night  in  Tarpaulin  Cove. 
Sabbath  I5th,  in  the  morning,  our  captain,  a  daring  and 
driving  man,  made  his  way  with  difficulty  through  several 
vessels  that  had  anchored  without  us,  and  were  too  cau- 
tious to  go  to  sea  with  such  indications  of  rough  weather. 
Through  the  day  we  had  a  heavy  breeze  from  the  south 


LIFE. 


89 


east,  increasing  till  six  o'clock  on  Monday  morning.  All 
this  time  we  were  obliged  to  drive  through  a  tempestuous, 
raging  ocean,  with  as  much  sail  as  we  could  carry,  or  be 
driven  on  the  back  of  Long  Island.  Indeed  had  the  wind 
changed  a  few  points  south,  the  hazard  of  being  wrecked 
must  have  been  great.  But  the  God  of  the  sea  and  of 
the  dry  land  ordered  it  otherwise.  We  had  however  but 
one  passenger  that  escaped  severe  sea-sickness;  and  the 
steward  and  captain,  who  have  been  (especially  the  latter) 
almost  constantly  at  sea  for  a  long  time,  and  last  in  port 
but  a  few  days,  were  so  sea-sick  for  many  hours,  as  to  be 
almost  disabled.  All  whose  duties  required  them  to  be 
on  deck,  were  drenched  with  rain  and  sea-water;  the 
forward  deck  being  washed  continually  by  the  waves. 
The  cabin  also  was  wet  by  water  dashing  down  the 
companion  way. 

"If  you  were  desirous  of  having  a  description  of  the 
terrific  majesty  of  the  ocean,  in  a  stoim,  you  could  easily 
find  many  better  than  I  can  give,  with  this  difference  as 
to  your  interest  in  the  scene  described  in  books,  that  your 
husband  was  not  there.  But  you  will  never  understand 
any  description  of  this  sort,  while  it  is  true,  as  I  hope  it 
may  always  be,  that  yourself  was  not  there.  Our  captain 
is  a  man  of  good  understanding  and  good  manners,  and 
respectful  to  Christian  institutions.  But  the  mate,  and 
some  of  the  people  encouraged  by  his  example,  are 
impiously  profane ;  and  that,  as  it  seems,  from  the  mere 
influence  of  habit,  and  the  want  of  religious  restraints, 
while  they  possess  all  the  generosity  and  kindness  of 
feeling  common  to  mariners.  But  the  transition  from 
the  tranquillity  and  the  sacred  delights  of  a  Sabbath  on 
shore,  to  a  Sabbath  at  sea,  in  the  uproar  of  a  storm,  with 
such  accommodations  and  such  companions  as  are  found 
in  a  coasting  packet,  is  painful  in  the  extreme.  And  if  I 
were  as  superstitious  as  these  sons  of  Neptune,  retaining 
8* 


90 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


too  my  present  Christian  principles,  I  should  have  ex- 
pected our  vessel  to  be  buried  under  mountains  of 
waves,  as  a  just  retribution  from  Him  whose  name  they 
so  dreadfully  profane.  As  it  is,  however,  I  cannot  expect 
a  special  act  of  divine  vengeance  in  such  a  case,  without 
expecting  the  instaut  depopulation  or  annihilation  of  our 
sinful  world. 

"  In  many  respects,  I  perceive  men  are  every  where 
alike,  with  the  only  difference  made  by  the  grace  of  God, 
and  by  less  restraints.  That  these  uncultivated  minds 
should  be  fretful  under  adverse  events,  though  plainly 
ordered  by  Providence,  is  not  strange  to  me ;  wTiile  I  see 
the  same  disposition  indulged  among  Christians  of  high 
advantages  and  professions,  and  feel  it  so  often,  I  am 
ashamed  to  say,  in  myself  In  all  societies  of  human 
beings,  there  is  some  one  unfortunate  enough  to  be  the 
victim  of  all  the  irritations  felt  by  the  rest.  In  a  ship, 
this  is  commonly  the  cabin  boy  or  cook  ;  in  other  cases, 
it  is  precisely  that  individual  whose  station  renders  him 
most  liable  to  blame  for  little  faults,  and  least  able  to 
defend  himself 

"  You  will  not  mistake,  if  you  conclude  from  the  strain 
of  these  two  letters,  that  time  hangs  heavily  on  my  hands. 
It  is  a  relief  to  me  to  write  on,  while  my  pen  is  in  hand, 
and  while  I  write  to  one  who  will  require  no  apology  for 
my  matter,  provided  my  sheet  is  filled  with  lines  closely 
written. 

"  On  Monday  morning  the  wind  died  away,  then  sud- 
denly changed  to  north  west,  and  has  been  till  now 
(Tuesday  evening)  as  favorable  as  could  be  wished. 

"Thursday,  19.  About  midnight  of  Tuesday  we  en- 
tered the  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  the  course  to  Baltimore 
being  nearly  north,  the  wind  which  was  favorable  before, 
became  a  head  wind,  so  that  our  progress  since  has  been 
slow ;  at  the  same  time  we  have  a  smooth  sea,  and  find 


LIFE. 


91 


real  comfort  in  being  released  from  our  violent  tossing. 
When  we  came  in  sight  of  Maryland  shore,  the  wind  was 
fresh  from  the  north  west,  and  every  passenger  and  some 
of  the  seamen  were  simultaneously  attacked  with  a  violent 
cough,  and  all  the  symptoms  of  the  same  influenza,  that 
was  so  prevalent  in  Boston.  My  frail  body  of  course 
suffered  with  the  rest.  Tuesday  night,  yesterday,  and 
last  night,  I  was  full  of  pain,  from  which  I  obtained  relief 
only  by  hot  drinks,  and  hot  bottles.  My  head  was  in 
extreme  agony  with  rheumatism  for  many  hours.  I 
desire  to  be  submissive  to  all  the  variety  of  infirmity 
which  it  pleases  God  that  I  shall  suffer ;  while  I  have  the 
fullest  conviction  that  his  chastisements  are  both  just  and 
hind.  Just,  because  I  deserve  them,  and  kind,  because 
I  need  them.  So  far  as  means  are  concerned,  however, 
I  have  no  doubt  that  my  life  has  been  preserved  scores 
of  times,  by  exciting  a  powerful  action  on  the  skin,  to 
divert  inflammation  from  my  vital  organs.  To-day  I  am 
quite  comfortable,  though  obliged  to  be  cautious  after  so 
much  perspiration. 

"Friday,  20.  This  morning  about  five  o'clock  I  was 
awaked  by  the  noise  and  agitation  of  the  vessel,  and  by 
the  profane  cursing  of  the  mate  and  seamen.  At  first,  I 
supposed  we  were  near  Baltimore;  and  that  the  capricious 
passion  of  joy,  aping  sometimes  grief,  at  others  vexation, 
was  expressed  by  tiiis  unseemly  language.  But  I  soon 
learned  that  a  head  wind  blew  so  hard  as  to  obstruct  our 
progress.  Last  night  my  rheumatism  gave  me  less  trouble 
than  the  night  before,  but  still  made  me  feverish  and  full 
of  pain.  To-day  like  yesterday,  I  keep  close.  Our  cook 
has  kept  his  berth,  being  sick  ;  and  his  absence  is  some 
relief  from  the  filth  and  laziness  which  are  his  chief 
properties.  If  I  had  not  had  my  arrow-root,  I  must  have 
suffered  ;  being  wholly  unable  to  eat  the  best  food,  pre- 
pared as  it  has  been  here. 


92 


MEMOIR  OP  DR.  PORTER. 


"  Sabbath,  22.  Still  on  this  restless  elemetit.  I  am 
relieved,  however,  from  the  offensive  conversation  which 
has  troubled  me  so  much ;  as  the  captain  very  promptly 
caused  it  to  cease,  on  my  representing  to  him  how  re- 
volting it  has  been  to  my  feelings.  And  Mary,  a  passenger, 
a  very  ignorant  servant  girl,  received  my  reproof  for  her 
foolish  talk  with  the  seamen,  so  as  both  to  reform  and 
apparently  to  esteem  me  much  for  my  faithfulness. 

"  Tuesday,  24.  Baltimore.  I  came  on  shore  at  six 
o'clock  Sabbath  evening,  having  been  five  days  within  the 
capes;  a  passage  which  our  captain  has  made  fifty  times, 
and  never  before  exceeded  two  days.  Our  whole  passage, 
however,  was  but  ten  days,  which  is  reckoned  quite  good. 
Yesterday  I  spent  at  a  hotel,  but  found  myself  too  unwell 
to  be  among  such  a  crowd ;  and  last  evening  came  to 
my  present  lodgings,  a  respectable,  quiet  boarding  house, 
sought  for  me  by  the  pious  and  lovely  partner  of  Mr.  V — . 
I  have  been  so  full  of  rheumatism,  that  both  pairs  of  my 
thick  drawers,  and  all  my  wrappers  flannel  and  leather, 
have  barely  sufficed  to  keep  me  from  freezing.  Last 
night  I  feared  being  sick  :  but  warm  drinks,  a  full  quota 
of  blankets,  and  as  fine  nursing  as  you  could  desire,  gave 
me  a  quiet  night's  rest;  and  having  kept  in  all  day,  I  am 
this  evening  sitting  up,  and  almost  well.  No  plan  as  to 
my  future  absence — all  must  be  cheerfully  submitted. 

"  Yours  ever." 

"  P.  S.  Recollect  that  dear  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartlet,  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Homes  will  wish  to  know  that  you  have 
heard  from  me." 

From  the  preceding  letter,  the  reader  will  learn  some- 
thing of  the  extreme  caution  which  Dr.  Porter  found  it 
necessary  to  practice  in  respect  to  exposure,  diet,  clothing, 
&.C.  Though  practiced  in  this  case  in  sickness,  he  wag 
for  years  scarcely  exempt  from  the  same  necessity,  even 


LIFE. 


93 


for  a  day.  So  much  accustomed  was  he  to  be  racked  with 
pain,  that  when  the  severity  of  an  attack  had  passed  by, 
he  used  often,  as  in  the  close  of  this  letter,  to  call  himself 
"  almost  well."  As  soon  as  he  thought  it  prudent  to  travel, 
he  commenced  his  journey  homeward  by  land,  having 
received  more  injury  than  benefit  from  the  excursion. 
Though  he  spent  the  following  winter  in  Andover  in  the 
discharge  of  official  duty,  early  in  the  spring  his  labors 
were  arrested  by  an  attack  of  pleurisy,  which  so  effectually 
prostrated  his  health,  that  his  physicians  advised  him  to 
try  the  effect  of  a  voyage  to  Carolina.  As  soon  as  it  was 
deemed  safe,  he  left  home  for  New  York,  whence  he 
sailed  for  Charleston.  Here  he  spent  a  few  days  with 
beloved  friends,  to  whose  kindness  he  was  already  deeply 
indebted.  Respecting  this  tour  we  find  the  following 
memoranda. 

"New  York,  May  1,  1821.  This  MS.*  which  I  had 
supposed  to  be  lost,  I  have  just  found  on  a  shelf  of  rubbish, 
at  the  consignee's  of  the  ship  Franklin,  in  which  I  sailed 
from  Charleston  last  year. 

"  About  the  last  of  March,  my  health  which  had  been 
quite  comfortable  during  the  winter,  sunk  under  an  attack 
of  pleurisy.  The  latter  half  of  April  I  spent,  in  a  very 
delicate  state  on  my  way  to  New  York,  amid  violent 
storms  of  snow,  by  which  I  was  confined  at  Boston,  and 
again  at  Providence.  A  few  days  of  fine  weather  at  New 
York  however,  enabled  me  to  regain  my  habits  of  exposure 
to  the  air,  and  contributed  much  to  my  restoration.  To- 
day I  sail  in  the  ship  President,  for  Charleston. 

"  May  5.  At  six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  landed  at  Charleston, 
having  been  favored  with  a  passage  unusually  prosperous 
and  pleasant. 


*  The  MS.  containing  the  brief  journal  of  his  absence  in  1820, 
\7hich  has  already  been  presented  to  the  reader. 


94 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  May  7.  In  a  walk  about  the  city,  I  incidentally  passed 
the  spot  where  I  was  so  violently  thrown  from  a  gig  last 
year.  At  once  a  thousand  tender  recollections  rushed 
upon  my  mind,  and  almost  overwhelmed  me.  To  what 
purpose  has  my  life,  rescued  by  the  kind  interposition  of 
Providence  in  a  moment  of  extreme  peril,  been  devoted. 
Oh,  how  little  has  this  wretched  heart  felt  the  thousand 
obligations  imposed  upon  it,  by  the  unremitted,  unmerited 
goodness  of  my  heavenly  benefactor. 

"May  10.  The  streets  of  a  crowded  city  furnish  innu- 
merable sources  of  instruction,  to  an  intelligent,  and  es- 
pecially to  a  pious  mind.  Yet  these  are  overlooked  by 
those  who  are  immersed  in  the  bustle  of  business,  or  in 
the  whirl  of  fashionable  amusement.  In  this  and  in  other 
cities,  I  have  often  passed  by  objects  of  extreme  indigence 
and  wretchedness,  and  have  felt  a  transient  emotion  of 
compassion  or  of  gratitude,  which  has  too  commonly  left 
no  valuable  impression  on  my  mind. 

"  To-day  I  met  a  little  chimney  sweep,  in  the  usual  cos- 
tume of  his  profession,  a  few  dirty  rags  ;  and  seeking 
employment  to  earn  his  bread  among  the  suffocating  dust 
of  soot  and  cinders.  As  he  passed  along  in  the  crowd, 
occasionally  uttering  his  shrill  and  piercing  note — the 
tender  of  his  services  to  those  who  might  need  them  ;  I 
observed  him  to  carry  his  hoop  and  stick,  with  which  he 
amused  himself  whenever  the  foot-way  for  a  moment  was 
free  of  passengers.  There  was  something  in  the  appear- 
ance of  tliis  poor  child  that  strongly  awakened  my  sensi- 
bilities, and  involuntarily  I  turned  round  and  looked  after 
him,  then  went  on  my  way  with  these  reflections  :  '  In  the 
most  degrading  of  all  employments,  one,  indeed,  the  very 
existence  of  which  is  a  reproach  to  civilized  society,  this 
poor  boy  exhibits  the  same  cheerfulness  as  is  common  to 
childhood  in  its  most  pleasant  forms.  Probably  he  is  even 
happier  than  the  boy  of  princely  parentage,  whose  little 


LIFE. 


96 


heart  is  vexed  with  a  thousand  artificial  wants,  and  whose 
wishes  are  anticipated  by  the  misguided  tenderness  of 
friends.  As  an  immortal  being,  the  degradation  of  this 
child  is  greatly  to  be  deprecated  ;  while  it  is  but  one 
among  millions  of  facts,  that  exhibit  the  sovereignty  of 
Him  '  who  giveth  no  account  of  his  matters.'  O  my 
God ! — thou  hast  made  me  to  differ,  in  the  advantages  of 
birth,  and  the  instructions,  examples,  and  restraints  of  a 
Christian  education.' " 


Dr.  Porter  returned  by  way  of  Philadelphia,  reaching 
that  place  in  season  to  attend  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  as  a  delegate  from  the  General  Asso- 
ciation of  Massachusetts  ;  having  been  highly  favored  as 
on  his  outward  passage,  with  delightful  weather,  and  (what 
perhaps  was  scarcely  less  conducive  to  his  health)  with 
intelligent  and  Christian  society.  At  this  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly,  an  opportunity  offered  for  the  happy 
exercise  of  the  Christian  discretion  by  which  he  was 
characterised.  A  subject  was  under  discussion  more  than 
ordinarily  adapted  to  excite  unkind  feelings,  and  several 
members  had  manifested  a  spirit  which  to  him  was  painful. 
As  the  debate  was  assuming  an  angry  character,  a  member 
called  on  Dr.  Porter  for  his  opinion  respecting  a  particular 
point.  lie  rose,  and  with  an  air  rendered  deeply  solemn 
by  the  painful  interest  of  the  scene  before  him,  said — 
"  Moderator,  my  heart  has  been  pained  by  the  spirit  ex- 
hibited by  many  of  the  brethren  on  this  subject.  We  have 
need  to  humble  ourselves  before  God."  The  effect  was 
electric.  In  a  moment  anger  seemed  to  disappear,  and 
penitence  to  be  depicted  on  every  countenance.  A  motion 
immediately  followed,  seconded  by  several  voices,  that  Dr. 
Porter  should  lead  in  prayer  for  divine  forgiveness  and 
direction.    After  a  fervent  address  to  the  throne  of  grace, 


96 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


several  brethren  publicly  expressed  their  gratitude  to  him 
for  his  timely  reproof. 

in  April,  1821,  he  received  a  communication  from  one 
of  the  trustees  of  Dartmouth  college,  informing  him  that 
in  filling  the  vacancy  which  was  about  to  be  caused  by  the 
resignation  of  their  president,  (Rev.  Dr.  Dana,)  the  unani- 
mous choice  would  doubtless  fall  on  him,  if  they  might  be 
encouraged  to  expect  his  acceptance.  His  attachment  to 
this  institution,  as  his  Alma  Mater,  was  .strong,  and  his 
desire  ardent  to  promote  its  interests ;  yet  he  could  offer 
no  encouragement  to  such  a  choice. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Contemplates  goinff  to  Europe — Comtnunication  to  trustees — Varies 
his  determination  and  goes  to  Havana  and  New  Orleans — Letters 
— Memorandum  returning — Salutary  effect  on  his  health. 

Though  Dr.  Porter  derived  obvious  advantage  from  his 
last  tour  to  Carolina,  and  was  able  to  perform  his  labors 
at  home  during  the  summer  following,  disease  had  made 
such  ravages  upon  his  constitution,  that  his  colleagues  and 
medical  advisers  believed  it  his  duty,  if  possible,  to  arrest 
its  progress  by  a  more  protracted  suspension  of  official 
functions.  It  was  thought  he  would  be  most  likely  to 
derive  permanent  benefit  from  a  voyage  to  Europe,  and  a 
winter's  residence  in  its  southern  latitudes,  in  which 
opinion  he  was  himself  disposed  to  concur.  The  grounds 
of  this  opinion  he  states  in  a  communication  to  the  trustees, 
requesting  leave  of  absence. 

"  To  the  Rev.  and  Hon.  the  Trustees  of  Phillips'  Academy. 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  Since  my  severe  illness  in  the  spring  of  1819,  my 
health  has  been  gradually  mending,  so  that  I  have  been 
able  to  prosecute  the  writing  and  delivery  of  public  lectures 
through  the  term  now  closed ;  and  have  in  other  respects 
performed  as  much  official  service,  as  in  any  equal  period 
9 


98 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


since  my  connection  with  the  seminary ;  except  that  I 
have  avoided  duties  abroad  in  the  evening. 

"  Still  my  ablest  medical  advisers,  who  know  my  system 
and  predispositions  think  decidedly,  that  it  would  be 
improper  for  me  to  hazard  an  exposure  to  the  severity  of 
our  winter,  without  more  firmness  than  I  have  at  present. 
They  are  also  of  opinion,  from  the  uniform  advantage 
attending  partial  experiments  of  the  kind,  that  a  voyage 
to  the  south  of  Europe,  or  to  some  remote  part  of  this 
continent,  would  promise  more  than  all  other  means  to 
remove  my  liability  to  violent  attacks  of  disease. 

"  The  experience,  gentlemen,  which  I  have  had  of  your 
generous  sympathy,  increases  the  painful  reluctance  with 
which  I  mention  this  subject.  But  it  is  my  duty  to  bow 
to  the  will  of  Him,  '  whose  I  am,  and  whom  I  profess  to 
serve.'  And  associated  as  I  am  with  interests  so  much 
more  important  than  those  of  myself  and  family,  it  is  ray 
privilege  that  I  may  cast  myself  on  the  guardians  of  these 
sacred  interests  for  direction. 

"  If  those  in  whom  I  should  most  confide,  think  it  my 
duty  to  proceed  with  my  labors  here  next  winter,  and  trust 
the  result  to  Providence,  I  will  do  it  without  hesitation. 
But  should  it  be  thought  expedient  that  I  should  be  at 
liberty  to  conform  to  circumstances,  I  request  leave  of  the 
trustees  to  be  absent  for  the  winter,  or  a  part  of  it,  as  the 
case  may  require.  I  wish  it  to  be  understood  also,  that, 
in  the  event  of  my  absence,  I  shall  endeavor  to  make  such 
arrangements,  that  my  salary  for  the  time  being  may  be 
applied  to  the  employment  of  a  temporary  substitute,  should 
the  trustees  see  fit  to  authorize  a  committee  to  select  a 
proper  man  for  the  above  purpose. 

"  Permit  me  to  add,  gentlemen,  that  if  it  pleases  God  to 
give  me  sufficient  health,  there  are  many  reasons  why  I 
desire  to  finish  a  course  of  public  lectures  in  my  depart- 
ment.   One  of  these  reasons  is,  that  no  course  corres- 


LIFE. 


99 


ponding  with  that  contemplated  in  our  statutes,  has 
heretofore  been  given  in  any  language.  The  materials 
for  the  execution  of  this  design,  I  have  digested  to  a 
considerable  extent,  as  the  result  of  all  the  reading  and 
experience  connected  with  the  labors  of  my  office  here. 

"  But  strongly  as  I  am  attached  to  my  office,  and  to  the 
circle  of  friends  with  whom  I  have  been  associated  for  nine 
years  past,  I  shall  consider  it  my  duty  promptly  to  relin- 
quish my  plan,  whenever  the  guardians  of  this  beloved 
seminary  shall  think  that  its  interests  will  be  promoted  by 
such  a  measure. 

"  I  remain,  gentlemen,  yours  with  great  respect, 

"  E.  Porter." 

This  request  the  trustees  with  their  characteristic  spirit 
of  accommodation,  readily  granted.  In  pursuance  of  his 
purpose,  early  in  autumn,  he  procured  the  papers  neces- 
sary to  secure  him  protection  under  the  seal  of  the  United 
States,  designing  to  spend  the  winter  in  Italy.  Instead  of 
crossing  the  Atlantic  however,  he  varied  his  determination 
and  sailed  for  Charleston,  whence,  after  a  few  weeks,  he 
proceeded  by  way  of  Havana  to  New  Orleans  ;  returning 
after  a  brief  absence  to  Charleston. 

Several  extracts  from  letters  written  during  this  absence, 
follow  ;  they  are  inserted  consecutively — the  first  dated  on 
his  outward  passage  from  Boston. 

"  Brig  Two  Friends,  Lat.  35,  Lon.  68,  ) 
JVov.  15,  1821.  5 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  Among  the  sacrifices  to  which  God  in  his  holy  Provi- 
dence has  called  me  in  past  years,  none  has  been  so  great 
as  that  which  now  calls  me  away  from  the  endearments  of 
home,  and  of  our  beloved  hill  of  Zion.  One  reason  why 
I  feel  thus,  probably  is,  that  the  increasing  attachment  to 
home  which   commonly  attends  advance  in  years,  is 


100 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Strengthened  in  my  case  by  infirmity  of  body.  Another 
reason  is,  that  heretofore  when  I  have  gone  abroad,  it  has 
been  from  immediate  and  urgent  necessity  ;  whereas  in 
the  present  case,  I  have  yielded  to  the  opinion  of  physicians 
that  a  more  seasonable  retreat  from  the  northern  winter, 
might  prevent  those  severe  attacks  of  disease  that  have 
repeatedly  prostrated  my  feeble  frame,  and  as  a  measure 
of  precaution,  render  me  less  liable  to  those  attacks  here- 
after. 

"  Though  I  am  on  the  whole  well  satisfied  that  this 
view  of  the  case  is  correct,  the  struggle  between  my  heart 
and  my  judgment  has  been  great,  considering  the  magni- 
tude of  the  work  which  I  am  called  to  leave.  But  enough 
of  this  painful  trial.  Oh  for  more  of  that  submission  which 
enabled  my  blessed  Master  to  say,  '  the  cup  which  my 
Father  hath  given  me,  shall  I  not  drink  it  ? ' 

"We  did  not  sail  on  the  afternoon  of  the  8th,  till  near 

3  o'clock,  Capt.  S          having  been  detained  by  the 

desertion  of  his  steward.  While  searching  for  him,  he 
engaged  another,  who  also  ran  away ;  and  just  at  the 
moment  of  sailing,  both  were  brought  forcibly  on  board. 
The  second,  after  one  attempt  to  escape  to  the  wharf,  was 
compelled  to  return,  and  leaping  overboard  was  drowned 
at  our  side,  refusing  the  aid  of  ropes,  &lc.  thrown  to  him 
from  the  deck.  This  act  of  desperation  resulted  from 
shame  and  anger,  under  the  influence  of  intoxication, 
that  brutal  sin  which  makes  such  havoc  among  seamen. 

"  We  went  down  the  bay  with  a  fine  breeze,  and  next 
day  were  becalmed  some  hours.  From  that  time  till 
yesterday  we  encountered  adverse  winds  of  unusual  vio- 
lence. The  surges  have  not  yet  subsided,  though  it  has 
been  almost  calm  for  twenty-four  hours.  To-day  has  been 
uncommonly  fine,  so  that  the  ladies  have  gone  on  deck  for 
the  first  time,  and  I  have  been  able  to  walk  and  split  wood 
on  deck.    We  are  now  in  the  latitude  of  Cape  Hatteras, 


LIFE. 


101 


but  near  five  hundred  miles  east  of  Charleston  longitude, 
outside  of  the  Gulf  stream,  with  a  temperature  of  68  by 
the  thermometer.  Our  captain  is  skillful  and  kind,  a  very 
pleasant  man  ;  and  our  brig  a  strong,  safe  vessel ;  but 
above  all,  the  Maker  of  this  great  deep,  and  the  Ruler  of 
these  restless  elements  is  our  keeper.  To  him  we  owe 
our  preservation  amid  these  raging  billows. 

"  Charleston,  Nov.  29.  Through  the  goodness  of  God 
we  arrived  yesterday  afternoon.  I  fear,  my  dear  wife,  you 
will  suffer  anxiety  on  account  of  our  long  passage  in  this 
month  of  storms.  Last  Friday  night,  after  a  severe  blow 
from  S.  W.,  the  wind  came  suddenly  round  to  west,  and 
blew  tremendously.  We  had  entered  the  Gulf  stream 
hoping  to  cross  it,  but  were  forced  back,  after  such  violent 
tossing  as  I  never  before  experienced.  Not  only  crockery 
and  glass,  but  trunks,  chairs,  and  men  were  dashed  about 
the  cabin  ;  and  the  oldest  seamen  could  not  stand  or  sit 
without  holding  fast.  Truly  we  saw  '  the  works  of  the 
Lord  and  his  wonders  in  the  deep.'  The  last  two  days  of 
the  passage  were  as  unexpectedly  pleasant  and  prosperous, 
as  the  preceding  had  been  boisterous.  About  twenty 
vessels  came  up  to  town  with  us ;  one  twenty-two  days 
from  Middletown,  one  twenty-five  from  New  York,  and 
one  thirty  from  Baltimore.  I  came  directly  to  Mr. 
O'Neale's,  and  lodge  in  my  old  room.  The  dear,  afflicted 
man  was  glad  to  see  me.  The  servants  came  sobbing,  to 
shake  hands  with  their  mistress's  friend.  My  heart,  which 
had  been  swelling  with  emotion,  as  I  came  up  the  street, 
and  entered  the  dwelling  of  that  lately  beloved  and  useful 
woman,  burst  from  its  constraint  and  vented  itself  in  a 
half  hour's  weeping.  If  it  were  not  so  incorrigible  a  heart, 
it  must  be  made  better  by  this  painfully  instructive  lesson. 
Lord,  make  it  a  better  heart ! 

"  Invariably  yours." 


9 


102 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  Charleston,  Dec.  7,  1821. 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  The  expectation  which  I  formed  early  in  the 
autumn,  of  going  to  the  Mediterranean,  and  the  sacrifice 
of  my  vacation  accordingly,  would  have  left  me  badly  pre- 
pared to  encounter  the  winter  at  home.  The  sinking  of 
my  system,  of  which  I  was  conscious  for  some  time  before 
my  departure,  was  more  fully  developed  afterwards  in  the 
entire  derangement  of  my  digestive  organs,  and  the 
prostration  of  my  strength  to  a  degree  greater  than  usual 
without  violent  disease.  On  the  ocean,  especially  for  the 
first  ten  days,  I  had  no  appetite  ;  and  after  we  reached  the 
warm  latitudes,  the  weavles,  (a  rice  insect,)  and  certain 
other  worse  enemies  of  sleep,  annoyed  me  even  more  than 
the  commotion  of  the  agitated  elements.  Since  our  arrival 
an  influenza  has  been  somewhat  prevalent,  but  I  have  been 
exempt  from  all  irritation  of  lungs,  so  as  scarcely  once  to 
need  the  relief  of  my  customary  keyn.  For  several  days 
my  vigor  has  been  increasing,  with  an  excellent  appetite, 
and  to-day  I  have  wallsed  at  least  six  miles. 

"  You  wish,  I  know,  to  learn  my  plan  for  the  winter. 
Mr.  O'Neale,  with  his  characteristic  kindness,  invited  me 
to  make  his  house  my  home.  But  as  I  wished  not  to  live 
on  hospitality,  I  consented  to  do  so,  on  condition  that  he 
would  take  me  as  a  boarder,  and  present  me  his  bills  for 
payment  as  such.  To  this  he  assents.  Here  I  have  a 
quiet  chamber,  with  niy  own  fire.  The  servants  are  kind, 
obliging  and  faithful,  especially  the  cook,  who  is  unwearied 
in  her  attentions  ;  so  that  my  chief  danger  perhaps  is  that 
which  besets  me  at  home,  viz.  being  injured  by  too  much 
kindness.  She  stood  by  me  this  evening  and  said,  '  We 
talk  in  kitchen  after  missus  die,  will  Massa  Porter  ever 
come  again  1  Some  say  no : — I  say  he  will  come,  and  see 
poor  Massa  O'Neale  ; — he  so  lonely,  nobody  talk  to  in  the 
evening.'    Then  she  went  on  to  say — '  no  so  good  massa 


LIFE. 


103 


in  Charleston  ; — I  go  on  my  knees  to  take  care  of  him; — 
missus  say  when  she  die,  Grace,  take  care  your  massa.' 
Then  she  repeated  the  dying  advice  of  Mrs.  O'Neale  to 
the  servants,  and  described  her  triumph  in  the  tenderest 
manner.  Bob,  the  waiting  man,  is  hopefully  pious,  and 
has  learned  to  read  the  Bible  which  I  gave  him  last  year. 
I  shall  remain  at  least  si.x  or  eight  weeks  longer,  as  I  have 
better  accommodations  as  to  study,  food,  and  exercise 
than  I  can  have  elsewhere.  I  shall  study  as  many  hours 
as  if  I  were  at  home.  A  young  Protestant  minister  from 
France,  calls  several  evenings  in  a  week  to  teach  me 
French  pronunciation,  and  to  be  taught  English  by  me. 

"  I  have  opportunity  here  to  do  much  for  the  Education 
Society,  by  correspondence  with  the  interior,  and  distri- 
bution of  pamphlets.    Tell  Mr.  ,  that  I  wish  him 

to  send  me  a  good  supply  of  the  Education  Society  tracts, 
for  Carolina  and  Georgia.  In  the  course  of  the  winter  I 
mean  to  visit  Georgia  and  New  Orleans,  if  God  will.  Tell 

Br.  ■  ,  that  I  shall  consider  my  commission  as  agent 

of  the  Education  Society  for  the  south,  as  continuing 
unless  otherwise  informed, 

"  You  know  how  essential  it  has  been  to  the  happiness  of 
my  past  life  to  be  a  busy  man.  Though  I  came  here  for 
health,  I  do  not  wish  to  be  idle,  and  I  cannot  be.  Indeed, 
systematic  walking,  riding  on  the  saddle,  and  sawing  wood ; 
receiving  and  returning  the  visits  of  friends ;  study,  and 
labor  for  the  Education  Society,  afford  me  ample  employ- 
ment. Yesterday  I  procured  a  meeting,  preparatory  to 
more  efficient  operations  of  the  South  Carolina  Education 

Society.    Tell  Mr.  ,  that  during  the  cold  winter 

months  he  must  keep  his  furnace  full  of  fuel  to  heat  New 
England.    His  circular  is  efficacious  wherever  it  goes. 

"  Tell  Mr.  ,  of  the  senior  class,  that  I  intended 

before  leaving  home,  to  procure  some  of  the  students, 
who  would  interest  themselves  in  the  thing,  to  correspond 


104 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


with  the  officers  of  colleges,  and  learn  what  encourage- 
ment can  be  had  for  an  American  edition  of  Quinctillian's 
Institutes,  to  be  comprised  in  two  8vo.  volumes.  This 
may  be  ascertained  in  some  measure  by  correspondence, 
as  the  patronage  must  be  found  chiefly  at  the  literary 
institutions.  Yours  immutably." 

"  Charleston,  Jan.  12,  1822. 

"  My  dear  "Wife, 

"  Your  welcome  favor  of  Dec.  24,  arrived  several 
days  ago.  I  am  sorry  to  learn  that  you  had  been  ill. 
You  leave  me  to  infer  rather  than  say  that  your  health 
was  restored.  So  far  as  health  of  body  depends  on  the 
mind,  devotional  reading  and  prayer  are  doubtless  favora- 
ble to  it.  But  the  body  has  claims  of  its  own.  Its  food, 
exercise,  and  rest,  are  distinct  from  those  of  the  mind; 
and  religion  demands  such  an  attention  to  both  as  that 
we  may  fulfil  all  our  social  and  relative  as  well  as  our 
devotional  duties.  Take  care  of  your  health  my  dear 
wife,  for  the  sake  of  many  who  love  you,  especially  for 
wjy  sake. 

"If  I  have  forgotten  to  say  before,  let  me  say  now, 
that  I  object  to  the  reading  of  my  letters  to  individuals, 
unless  in  special  cases.  If  a  letter  is  of  such  a  cast  that 
a  friend  may  take  it  himself,  there  is  no  tax  on  his  polite- 
ness or  his  patience.  He  may  read  one  sentence  or  ten 
as  he  pleases.  But  to  compel  him  to  hear  a  whole  letter, 
or  a  page,  whatever  engagements  he  may  have,  is  quite 
another  thing.  I  extend  this  remark  to  letters  generally, 
and  to 'passages  in  books  which  interest  us.  We  have  no 
right,  on  the  ground  of  civility,  to  presume  that  the  same 
interest  will  be  felt  by  another.  I  have  myself  often  felt 
the  same  vexation  that  Horace  did,  towards  those  who 
would  '  hold  me  fast,  and  read  me  dead.' 

"  I  hear  occasionally  from  our  young  men  in  the 


LIFE. 


105 


interior ;   they  are  doing  well.     ,  since  his 

return  from  New  England,  takes  better  aim,  and  fires 
heavier  shots  than  heretofore.  Nothing  but  pungent 
doctrinal  instruction  seems  wanting  here,  with  God's 
blessing,  to  produce  a  revival. 

"  I  have  proposed  that  the  ladies  here  shall  have  a 
regular  correspondence  with  those  in  Boston,  for  mutual 
communication  as  to  means  and  amount  of  Christian 

operations.    Tell  Brother    I  thank  him,  and  will 

answer  his  letter  perhaps  from  New  Orleans,  whither 
I  expect  to  sail  to-moirow  in  the  steam  ship.  Tell 

Mrs.   her  very  good  and  useful  brother  sends  love. 

I  dined  there  to-day  with  my  friend  J.  W.  Esq.,  who 
reached  the  city  yesterday,  and  embarks  to-morrow  as 
my  companion  for  New  Orleans.    This  is  as  pleasant 

as  unexpected  to  us  both.    Mr.  G  ,  a  pious  invalid 

minister  from  New  York,  is  also  to  go  with  us. 

"  Constantly  yours." 

Steam  Ship  Robert  Fulton,  Gulf  of  Mexico,  \ 
Jan.  2!),  1822.  5 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  As  an  acknowledgment  to  my  gracious  Preserver 
and  Benefactor,  and  of  my  duty  to  you,  I  resume  my  pen 
to  give  you  a  brief  history  of  myself  since  leaving  Charles- 
ton. Our  accommodations  have  not  been  in  all  respects 
as  good  as  we  had  reason  to  expect,  from  general  report, 
and  from  information  obtained  at  the  office  of  the  con- 
signee in  Charleston.    About  the  fourth  day  I  was  attacked 

with  sore  throat  and  general  cold.  Besides  Mr.  W  , 

the  only  pious  passengers  were  Mr.  ,  and  Mr.  , 

a  lawyer. 

"  The  Havana,  at  which  we  staid  three  days,  is  a 
pagano-Christian  city,  with  about  one  hundred  and  thirty 
thousand  inhabitants.    It  is  one  of  the  strongest  military 


106 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


posts  in  the  world,  inclosed  with  walls;  and  the  harbor,  the 
finest  I  ever  saw,  is  defended  by  a  complete  investment  of 
forts.  Off  Tortugas  we  were  chased  by  what  we  supposed 
a  pirate,  but  outsailed  her.  On  arrival  at  Havana,  it 
appeared  that  eight  or  ten  American  vessels  within  a  few 
days  had  been  robbed,  some  burnt,  and  many  cases  of 
murder.  The  population  of  Havana  look  like  a  dirty, 
degraded  race.  Among  them,  every  few  rods  you  meet 
a  ghostly  looking  friar.  The  churches  retain  the  appear- 
ance of  that  ancient  splendor  which  they  derived  from 
unbounded  wealth  and  superstition.  I  had  before  no 
conception  of  the  extravagant  expenditures  of  the  Catho- 
lics to  maintain  the  mummeries  which  they  call  religion. 
The  streets  are  narrow  and  filthy,  and  the  houses  ancient, 
with  massive  shutters  for  windows  instead  of  glass,  and 
floors  of  solid  stone  and  plaister.  We  took  lodgings  at 
an  American  boarding-house  at  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents 
a  day — a  sufficient  price  for  me,  as  my  food  was  arrow 
root. 

"Feb.  1.  By  the  smiles  of  Providence  I  am  about 
relieved  of  my  cold  for  several  days  past.  We  have 
entered  the  great  Mississippi.  Our  passengers  have  been 
of  a  peculiarly  mixed  character;  most  of  them  profane, 
and  some  extravagantly  so.  At  the  table  we  keep  up 
the  acknowledgment  of  God,  but  have  not  been  able  to 
establish  daily  worship.  On  the  Sabbath  after  leaving 
Charleston  the  passengers  attended  decently  in  the  cabin 
while  I  read  part  of  the  107th  Psalm  and  prayed.  The 
next  Sabbath  was  broken  up  by  navigating  the  ship  out 
of  Havana,  and  we  had  no  worship  till  evening.  Neither 
Mr.  G.  nor  I  were  well  enough  to  preach  on  either  day. 

"  Feb.  4.  Day  before  yesterday  we  arrived  at  New 
Orleans  in  twenty  hours  from  the  mouth  of  the  river, 
while  other  ships  are  from  six  to  thirty  days.  A  harsh 
wind  renewed  my  cold  to  a  slight  degree,  but  by  the 


LIFE. 


107 


goodness  of  God,  I  was  able  to  preach  yesterday,  to  the 
destitute  and  interesting  little  flock  of  the  lamented 
Lamed ;  though  it  was  rainy,  and  the  notice  short,  the 
church  having  been  shut  up  generally  this  winter.  To- 
day I  am  quite  comfortable,  having  walked  some  dis- 
tance. The  company  of  Mr.  W.  has  been  an  unspeakable 
comfort  to  me.  The  few  Cliristians  here,  gather  around 
us  with  deep  interest,  and  beg  us  to  stay  a  few  weeks. 
My  heart  bleeds  for  them. 

"  Charleston,  Feb.  25.  Through  the  goodness  of  God, 
I  returned  here  this  morning.  Send  this  to  father  Bartlet 
in  exchange  for  a  long  one  1  forward  to  him  by  this 
conveyance,  bringing  up  to  this  time  an  account  of  my 
absence  from  Charleston.  I  did  hope  to  continue  my 
letters  to  the  students  on  the  voyage,  but  the  confusion  of 
the  ship  prevented ; — I  shall  resume  them  soon. 

"  With  immutable  affection  yours." 

The  letter  to  Mr.  Bartlet,  giving  an  account  of  his  re- 
turning voyage  from  New  Orleans  to  Chaileston,  follows. 

"  Gulf  of  Mexico,  Feb.  17,  1822. 
"  Respected  and  dear  Sir, 

"  Though  I  was  strongly  solicited  to  stay  some  weeks 
at  New  Orleans,  and  though  I  had  some  weighty  motives 
to  comply  with  these  solicitations,  I  thought  it  best  to 
return  with  the  steam  ship  to  Charleston,  that  so  far  as 
I  have  strength,  I  may  devote  my  undivided  attention  to 
the  prosecution  of  my  own  official  duties.  This  I  might 
have  done  with  far  less  expense,  but  with  more  inter- 
ruption, at  New  Orleans  than  at  Charleston  ;  because  at 
the  latter  place  I  have  the  command  of  my  own  room 
and  time,  not  being  called  on  for  any  ministerial  service 
except  such  as  I  can  perform  without  inconvenience; 
whereas  the  state  of  New  Orleans,  connected  as  it  is 


108 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


with  a  world  of  paganism  in  the  west,  would  doubtless 
have  excited  in  me  emotions  and  efforts  inconsistent  with 
the  main  object  of  my  visit  to  the  south. 

"  We  left  New  Orleans  on  the  8th  inst.  and  arrived  on 
the  coast  of  Cuba  on  the  12th,  and  almost  in  sight  of 
Havana,  with  a  fine  wind  to  reach  it  in  three  hours, 
when  the  captain,  being  a  stranger  to  the  coast  and 
supposing  himself  to  be  off  Matanzas,  sailed  westward 
twenty-four  hours,  and  did  not  ascertain  his  mistake  till 
he  reached  Cape  Antonio.  Having  a  strong  head  wind 
and  being  short  of  fuel,  our  progress  back  was  difficult. 

"Havana,  Feb.  19.  We  arrived  here  yesterday  and 
are  to  leave  to-morrow  for  Charleston.  As  I  had  felt  but 
little  interest  in  visiting  Cuba,  I  had  taken  no  letters 
of  introduction.  I  am  therefore  much  indebted  to  the 
politeness  of  Capt.  Jackson  of  Newburyport,  who  is  here, 
and  who  has  kindly  devoted  his  time  to-day,  to  introduce 
me  to  several  respectable  families,  and  attend  me  with 

Mr.  S  ,  a  merchant  of  your  acquaintance,  on  a  ride 

into  the  country.  While  the  city  of  Havana  presents  at 
once  a  striking  combination  of  wealth  and  magnificence 
with  vice,  superstition  and  filth,  the  soil  and  climate  of 
the  interior  arc  incomparably  fine.  It  was  an  unexpected 
gratification  to  me  to  witness  the  luxuriance  of  tropical 
fruits,  trees,  and  plants  of  various  kinds. 

"  While  I  was  wrhing  the  last  sentence,  a  young  man 
put  into  my  hand  a  letter  to  Rev.  Mr.  Byington,  from  the 
officers  of  the  Moravian  Missionary  Society  at  Nassau, 
New  Providence.  The  bearer  was  passenger  in  a 
schooner  wrecked  on  that  coast  the  last  week.  She 
belonged  to  Charleston,  S.  ('.,  and  had  a  large  quantity 
of  clothing,  &-C.  for  the  Eliot  mission,  which  articles 
the  wreckers  sold  for  a  trifle  to  the  negroes.  But  the 
Wesleyan  society  redeemed  the  valuable  articles  of  com- 
munion plate  presented  by  the  church  in  Yale  college  to 


LIFE. 


109 


the  church  in  Eliot,  and  forwarded  them  by  this  young 
nnan.  Being  a  stranger  in  New  Orleans,  whither  he  is 
to  sail  shortly,  he  called  on  me  for  advice,  to  whom  he 
should  commit  the  articles  there,  to  be  forwarded  to 
Mr.  Byington. 

"Gulf  Stream,  off  Florida,  Feb.  21.  Besides  the 
schooner  above  mentioned,  four  other  vessels  were  wTeck- 
ed  on  the  same  reef,  the  same  night  (10th  inst.),  but  I 
learned  on  seeing  the  young  man  again,  that  the  com- 
munion plate  was  in  a  vessel  wrecked  four  months  ago. 

"  We  left  Havana  yesterday  at  10  o'clock,  with  a  fair 
wind,  and  we  are  now  about  two  hundred  miles  on  our 
way.  My  thoughts  return  with  a  mixture  of  compassion 
and  abhorrence  to  the  Spanish  island  of  Cuba,  blessed  to 
profusion  by  the  bounties  of  the  Creator,  and  cursed  by 

the  stupidity  and  vice  of  its  inhabitants.     Mr.  S  

informed  me  that  one  of  his  coffee  plantations  of  one 
hundred  and  eighty  acres,  yielded  him  last  year  a  crop 
of  forty  thousand  dollars.  The  cattle  are  large  and  fine, 
but  make  bad  beef.  The  oxen  I  am  told,  a  single  pair 
harnessed  by  the  horns,  march  off  at  quick  step  with  a 
load  of  three  tons.  But  the  men! — ah,  the  immortal 
beings  that  throng  that  island,  are  a  disgrace  to  the 
human  character ;  and  though  nominally  Christian,  are 
sunk  in  a  more  hopeless  state  of  ignorance  and  depravity 
than  almost  any  spot  shrouded  in  the  night  of  paganism. 

"  Among  our  thirty-six  passengers  there  are  three  of 

some  distinction.     Gen.     ,  whose  public 

character  you  know,  is  possessed  of  great  wealth.  His 
cotton  crop  in  South  Carolina  and  in  Louisiana  is  said 
to  be  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand 
dollars  this  year,  and  his  sugar  crop  in  Louisiana  forty 
thousand  more.  Poor  man,  he  is  a  stranger  to  all  the 
noblest  uses  of  money,  and  to  all  the  consolations  of  piety. 
He  advanced  his  infidel  views  to  me  very  confidently  at 


110 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


first,  but  finding  himself  unable  to  stand  a  moment  on  the 
ground  of  argument,  he  became  cautious,  and  has  been 
uniformly  civil.  He  has  given  me  an  invitation,  which  I 
cannot  accept,  to  spend  some  time  with  him  in  Carolina. 
Gen.  Lefebre  Desnoettes,  Buonaparte's  favorite  cavalry 
commander,  came  with  us  also  from  New  Orleans.  He 
is  tall  and  slender ;  thirty-five  or  forty  years  old,  a  very 
intelligent  and  respectable  man.  He  has  resided  in  this 
country  as  a  proscribed  officer  some  years,  but  is  about 
returning  to  make  his  peace  with  Louis.  He  is  not  fond 
of  talking  about  his  fallen  master;  but  when  I  inquired 
of  him  whether  any  of  the  writings  ascribed  to  Napoleon 
are  genuine,  he  said  he  could  not  answer  positively  as  to 
any  except  one  recently  published,  as  the  ninth  volume  of 
Buonaparte's  Works,  the  other  eight  being  still  unpub- 
lished. This  ninth  he  has  read,  and  is  sure  that  none  but 
Napoleon  could  have  been  the  author.  I  have  had  much 
interesting  conversation  with  him  on  various  topics.  In 
reply  to  my  inquiry,  what  use  is  made  of  ardent  spirits  in 
the  French  armies,  he  assured  me  that  it  is  never  a  part 
of  rations;  that  very  rarely  a  small  use  is  made  of  brandy 
by  connnon  soldiers,  but  their  daily  allowance  is  merely 
a  pound  and  a  half  of  bread.  All  else  as  to  food,  drink 
and  clothing  they  provide  for  themselves,  though  their 
wages  are  but  six  cents  a  day.  At  the  battle  of  Waterloo 
he  says  not  a  man  had  seen  meat  for  three  days ;  he  adds 
that  French  officers  and  soldiers  are  seldom  sick ;  and 
that  they  can  fight  with  very  little  to  eat  and  drink.  He 
says  that  he  never  saw  ardent  spirits  used  with  water  till 
he  came  to  America,  and  what  is  stranger  still,  he  never 
saw  a  Bible  in  any  language,  except  the  English,  till  I 
showed  him  one  to-day  in  French.  He  read  it  for  some 
time  and  thanked  me.  Though  he  prefers  the  Catholic 
religion  to  any  other,  he  evidently  does  not  believe  the 
divine  origin  and  obligation  of  any.    Such  is  the  genuine 


LIFE. 


Ill 


influence  of  the  Catholic  worship.  It  makes  the  ignorant 
mass  bigots,  and  the  more  enlightened,  infidels.  Not 
only  tlie  inquisition,  but  the  priesthood  and  forms  of  this 
religion  are  publicly  ridiculed  on  the  stage  at  Havana, 
though  there  is  no  Protestant  worship  in  the  country. 

"  We  have  besides  as  a  passenger,  Capt.  D  of  the 

United  States'  navy,  who  has  just  returned  from  Mexico. 
The  principal  interest  I  have  felt  in  him  arises  from 
his  minute  description  of  that  country,  of  which  I  have 
hitherto  been  very  ignorant.  He  describes  the  interior 
of  Mexico  as  a  paradise,  so  far  as  climate  and  natural 
advantages  of  country  are  concerned.  The  thermometer 
ranges  between  75  and  85  through  the  year.  There  are 
no  fevers ; — the  people  live  to  advanced  age,  and  aside 
from  the  precious  metals,  have  one  of  the  richest  countries 
on  the  globe.  On  the  high  grounds  off  from  the  coast, 
pines  of  different  sorts,  and  on  the  coast  hard  woods  grow 
to  a  great  size.  But  the  people  are  held  in  vassalage 
under  the  same  superstition  as  in  Cuba.  In  one  cathe- 
dral, about  forty  miles  from  Mexico,  the  captain  says  there 
is  a  massive  silver  image  of  the  virgin  Mary; — a  solid 
golden  ball  representing  the  sun,  with  the  richest  bril- 
liants;—  and  one  chandelier  that  cost  one  hundred  and 
sixty  thousand  dollars.  The  ornaments  in  all  cost  half  a 
million  of  dollars. 

"  Besides  these,  we  had  with  us  a  Philadelphia  captain, 
a  decent  man,  lately  wrecked  off  New  Providence,  whose 
brig  was  entirely  lost.  From  the  wreck  he  escaped  in 
his  boat  with  the  crew,  to  a  barren  key  four  miles  distant, 
where  he  found  but  one  family,  who  notwithstanding  their 
barbarous  state  of  living,  maintained  family  worship. 

"  Charleston,  Feb,  25.  We  arrived  here  to-day.  I 
cannot  say  till  I  am  rested,  whether  my  health  is  bene- 
fitted by  the  voyage.  I  presume  it  will  be  however.  My 
friends  say  that  I  have  gained  some  flesh.    I  hope  the 


112 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


time  and  expense  of  the  voyage  will  not  be  lost  to  myself, 
and  that  it  may  be  of  some  use  to  others,  if  God  shall  see 
fit  to  bless  my  very  imperfect  efforts  on  board  the  ship, 
where  the  passengers  invited  me  to  preach,  and  listened 
with  very  becoming  attention. 

"  You  see  my  dear  sir,  how  eagerly  I  embrace  any 
alleviation  of  the  painful  separation  from  my  home  and 
business.  Indeed  I  long  to  return,  and  think  this  is  the 
last  sacrifice  of  the  kind,  which  I  shall  think  it  my  duty 
to  make  to  prop  a  tottering  constitution. 

"Please  to  give  my  best  love  to  dear  Mrs.  Bartlet,  and 
all  the  circle  of  friends.  I  am  as  much  at  home  here  as 
I  can  be  away  from  home.  Will  you  have  the  goodness 
to  send  this  to  Mrs.  Porter,  as  it  is  only  a  sequel  to  a 
hasty  one  I  wrote  her  on  my  outward  passage. 

"With  sincere  respect  and  affection, 

"  Yours  invariably." 

"Ma)-ch  18, 1822. 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  We  have  had  several  days  of  cold  east  wind,  so 
that  vessels  could  not  pass  out  of  the  harbor.  1  have 
just  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Evarts,  who  arrived  at 
Savannah  the  1 4th,  in  eleven  days  from  Boston.  He  says, 
*  prospects  of  restoration  are  favorable  ;  but  I  wish  to  stand 
prepared  for  the  will  of  God,  whatever  it  may  be.'  He 
adds,  '  I  must  make  my  letters  short,  as  my  physician 
forbids  much  writing  and  much  talking.'  For  this  painful 
information  I  was  prepared  by  your  last  letter.  Indeed,  I 
was  prepared  for  it  by  the  aspect  of  the  dear  man  last 
autumn,  and  by  the  excessive  labor  which  I  knew  had 
devolved  on  him  since  the  removal  of  Dr.  Worcester,  It 
is  distressing  that  a  man  occupying  a  station  more  impor- 
tant perhaps,  than  any  other  layman  in  the  United  States, 
should  be  thus  prematurely  broken  down.    So  it  is,  that 


LIFE. 


113 


every  man  who  is  able  and  willing  to  work,  is  tempted  to 
work  himself  to  death,  the  '  harvest  is  so  plenteous,  and 
the  laborers  so  few.'  So  be  it,  if  God  will.  Blessed  be 
his  name,  the  church  is  safe  ;  his  own  omnipotence  will 
protect  and  prosper  its  interests;  his  own  truth  is  guarantee 
that  the  work  of  evangelizing  the  world  will  go  on, — will 
go  on  by  human  instruments ;  and  let  not  human  wisdom 
obtrude  its  counsels  in  determining  who  these  instruments 
shall  be.  Mr.  Evarts  intends,  if  his  health  will  permit,  to 
commence  his  journey  homeward  in  April,  by  Brainerd 
and  Virginia,  on  horseback.  I  hope  to  see  him  this  week, 
and  to  assist  in  providing  for  him  some  one  of  our  mission- 
aries as  a  fellow  traveller. 

"  Invariably  yours." 
"  Savannah,  April  29,  1822. 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  I  returned  six  days  ago  from  Liberty  county,  where 
I  had  a  pleasant  visit.  The  people  were  originally 
emigrants  from  Dorchester,  near  Boston,  who  removed 
first  to  Dorchester,  South  Carolina,  and  thence  to  Medway, 
Georgia.  Like  the  Plymouth  pilgrims,  they  brought  a 
minister  with  them  ;  and  to  this  day,  in  their  religious 
and  social  habits,  there  is  much  of  the  puritan  simplicity. 
On  the  Sabbath  they  meet  with  great  regularity  and  seri- 
ousness, and  in  the  intermission  retire  to  their  little  houses, 
prepared  only  for  this  purpose,  where  they  take  such 
refreshments  as  they  have  brought  from  home  ;  none  of 
thera  returning  till  the  close  of  the  afternoon  service. 
These  good  people  made  me  quite  at  home,  many  of  them 
claiming  to  be  old  acquaintances  with  me,  from  my  printed 
sermons,  my  connection  with  the  Education  Society,  &c. 

"  Partly  on  account  of  unfavorable  weather,  and  partly 
owing  to  my  food  in  passing  from  house  to  house,  I  have 
been  much  oppressed  with  bilious  stomach  for  two  or 
10* 


114 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


three  weeks,  so  that  I  have  fallen  off  in  health,  and  have 
probably  lost  all  that  fine  recruit  of  flesh  to  which  I  have 
before  alluded.  You  must  expect  therefore,  if  it  pleases 
God  to  return  me  to  you,  to  see  me  just  about  as  plethoric 
a  man  as  heretofore.  But  that  I  am  not  seriously  ill,  yoa 
will  perceive  from  the  fact  that  I  am  now  writing  to  you, 
having  preached  in  a  church  one  hundred  feet  by  eighly. 
This  church  by  a  happy  accident,  (for  no  architect  in  our 
country  produces  the  effect  by  skill,)  is  one  of  the  easiest 
for  a  speaker,  in  the  United  States  ;  and  though  not  the 
most  splendid,  it  is  decidedly  the  most  elegant  building  of 
the  kind  that  I  have  seen.  When  I  look  at  the  assemblage 
of  wealthy,  worldly,  fashionable  hearers,  who  convene  in 
this  house,  I  tremble  for  my  young  brother  to  whom  the 
charge  of  these  precious  souls  is  recently  committed.  O 
what  a  glorious  field  is  here  for  the  fervor  and  faithfulness 
of  Baxter !    I  feel  a  strong  confidence,  however,  that 

Mr.  S  is  sound  in  faith  and  experience,  and  that  his 

ministry  will  be  blessed  to  this  interesting  flock. 

"  During  my  stay  in  this  city,  I  have  received  the 
kindest  attentions.  Indeed  the  affectionate  regard  with 
which  I  have  been  treated  by  so  many  kind  friends,  while 
it  will  be  to  me  a  source  of  grateful  recollections  through 
life,  has  done  much  to  abate  the  painfulness  of  my  tedious 
absence.  This  absence  I  have  deeply  felt  as  an  affliction 
from  my  heavenly  Father,  and  I  pray  that  the  just  and 
necessary  stripes  of  his  hand  may  make  me  a  better  and  a 
happier  man. 

"  Immutably  yours." 

The  last  of  May  Dr.  Porter  returned  to  New  England. 
While  passing  through  Long  Island  Sound,  he  thus  notes 
his  feelings  : — 

"June  4,  1822.  After  an  absence  of  almost  seven 
months,  I  see  again  the  shore  of  my  beloved  native  State, 


LIFE. 


116 


Connecticut,  The  sight  of  those  hills  would  interest  me 
deeply,  if  they  merely  recalled  the  tender  associations  of 
my  early  childhood,  and  the  labors  and  enjoyments  of  my 
pastoral  life.  The  pleasure  of  such  associations,  having 
been  the  standing  theme  of  poets,  is  not  peculiar  to  men 
of  any  period  or  country,  and  is  by  no  means  to  be  iden- 
tified with  religious  feeling.  The  love  of  country,  like 
other  social  instincts,  may  be  as  strong  in  the  rustic  or  the 
infidel,  as  in  the  philosopher  or  the  Christian. 

"  But  Connecticut  has  beauties  to  my  eye  independent 
of  its  being  my  native  State.  Its  political  and  religious 
institutions,  for  two  centuries,  have  given  a  character  to 
its  inhabitants,  distinguishing  it  from  any  other  commu- 
nity since  the  world  began.  Among  no  other  people  has 
republicanism  existed  in  so  much  purity,  and  for  so  long  a 
period.  Connecticut  was  founded,  not  by  the  enterprise 
of  ambition  or  avarice,  but  by  an  inextinguishable  love  of 
religion,  and  a  steadfast  attachment  to  the  rights  of  con- 
science. Hence  the  institutions  of  the  Gospel  have  been 
the  foundation  of  all  the  institutions  and  habits  of  this 
highly  favored  people.  Hence  the  industry,  frugality, 
sobriety,  simplicity,  and  at  the  same  time,  intelligence 
and  independence  of  this  people.  As  we  approach  this 
favored  region,  the  manners  of  the  social  circle  assume  a 
correspondent  aspect.  In  the  hotel,  in  the  packet,  in  the 
stage,  there  is  a  gentleness,  sobriety,  and  decorum,  which 
are  a  striking  contrast  to  the  clamor,  and  violence,  and 
coarse  profaneness  that  have  too  often  afflicted  my  ears 
in  the  steam  ship,  and  in  other  methods  of  travelling 
abroad." 

Wearied  with  frequent  and  protracted  separations  from 
his  family,  his  colleagues,  and  his  labors,  Dr.  Porter 
resolved  to  commit  himself  into  the  hands  of  God,  and 
abide  the  consequences  of  remaining  in  Andover.  A 


116 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


blessing  seemed  to  attend  this  determination,  and  though 
for  several  successive  years  he  scarcely  passed  a  winter  with- 
out an  attack,  more  or  less  severe,  of  pleurisy,  and  though 
he  sustained  a  constant  struggle  with  infirmity,  he  was  by 
"  the  good  hand  of  his  God  upon  him,"  enabled  with  com- 
paratively brief  interruptions,  to  continue  the  discharge  of 
official  duty.  During  this  period,  his  history  is  merely  the 
record  of  entire  devotion  to  his  sacred  and  responsible 
work.  The  vacations  he  improved  in  making  short  jour- 
nies  ;  sometimes  in  visiting  Saratoga  springs,  sometimes 
in  visiting  his  honored  father,  whose  advanced  age  ren- 
dered it  probable  that  death  would  soon  terminate  the 
offices  of  filial  affection. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


Appointed  President  of  Theological  Seminary — Answer— Increase 
of  labors — Thinks  of  retiring  from  tlie  Seminary — Requests 
leave  d  absence— Embar a  for  Charleston— Letter  to  Mrs.  P. 
— Proceeds  to  St.  Augustine — Letter  to  a  friend  in  his  family 
— Letter  to  a  colleague— Letter  to  Mrs.  P.— Return  to  Charles- 
ton— Thinks  of  goin^-  to  Europe— Plan  for  the  summer — Reflec- 
tions on  leaving  Charleston. 

In  1827,  the  guardians  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
deemed  it  expedient  to  add  to  the  existing  organi- 
zation of  its  faculty,  the  office  of  President ;  the 
faculty  having  previously  consisted  of  co-ordinate 
professors,  each  of  whom  in  his  department  of  in- 
struction, performed  the  duty  prescribed  by  the  statutes ; 
and  in  the  government  of  the  institution  bore  the  part 
which  his  colleagues  saw  fit  to  assign  him.  When  the 
presidency  was  established,  Dr.  Porter  was  selected  for 
that  station,  by  the  guardians  of  the  institution,  with  the 
cordial  approbation  of  his  colleagues.  To  the  acceptance 
of  the  station,  however,  he  felt  very  weighty  objections ; 
several  of  which  are  stated  in  his  reply  to  the  communi- 
cation of  the  trustees,  announcing  his  election. 

"  The  Rev.  and  Hon.  the  Trustees  of  Phillips'  Acadeviy. 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  At  your  last  meeting  a  communication  was  made 
to  me,  that  your  board  had  decided  on  the  expediency  of 


118 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


having  a  President,  as  an  officer  of  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary, and  had  appointed  me  to  that  office.  For  several 
years  my  own  opinion  has  concurred  with  that  of  my  col- 
leagues, that  such  an  officer  would  be  found  indispensable 
here  ;  but  it  is  no  affectation  of  delicacy  to  say,  that  both 
my  heart  and  my  understanding  incline  me  to  shrink,  with 
very  serious  misgivings,  from  undertaking  the  duties  of 
this  office  myself 

"  In  the  first  place,  it  must  be  attended  with  intrinsic 
difficulties.  These  arise  partly  from  the  nature  of  the  in- 
stitution, and  partly  from  our  past  habits. 

"  In  the  second  place,  there  are  difficulties  connected 
with  this  subject,  as  it  regards  myself.  For  fifteen  years, 
much  of  my  time  has  been  devoted  to  dry  detail.  To  ex- 
amine manuscript  sermons,  sentence  by  sentence,  with  a 
critical  eye  ;  and  to  do  this  for  a  whole  class,  as  I  did  for 
eight  years,  or  for  half  a  class,  as  I  have  done  for  the  re- 
maining seven  years,  is  a  work  adapted  to  exhaust  the 
strength  and  spirits,  in  no  common  degree.  So  indispen- 
sable to  the  best  habits  of  the  students  is  this  labor,  that  I 
do  not  mention  it  as  a  burden.  It  has  been  my  duty  to 
do  it,  though  with  the  unavoidable  sacrifice  of  studies 
which  I  have  ardently  wished  to  pursue  ;  and  which  I 
have  hoped  from  year  to  year  that  I  might  find  opportunity 
to  pursue,  under  better  advantages  than  before.  It  is 
with  inexpressible  reluctance  then,  that  I  think  of  engag- 
ing in  new  duties,  which  must  consist  very  much  in  the 
details  of  business,  and  must  involve  me  in  various  and 
multiplied  interruptions  and  cares.  This  reluctance  I 
frankly  confess  is  much  increased  by  an  apprehension  that 
my  health  may  prove  inadequate  to  the  task  proposed. 
This  leads  me  to  say, 

"  In  the  third  place,  there  are  difficulties  in  making  the 
past  duties  expected  of  me  compatible  with  an  adequate 
attention  to  those  now  proposed.    It  would  be  unwise  in 


LIFE. 


119 


me  to  think  of  sustaining  a  greater  amount  of  labors  than 
have  belonged  to  me  hitherto.  I  should  be  unwilling  too, 
that  any  considerable  portion  of  these  labors  should  be 
permanently  transferred  to  my  colleagues,  with  the  great 
duties  already  resting  on  them.  I  know  that  the  trustees 
have  the  most  generous  feelings  on  this  whole  subject,  and 
will  be  ready  to  give  necessary  relief  as  far  as  circumstan- 
ces will  permit.  My  colleagues  also,  during  present  em- 
barrassments, are  disposed  to  render  every  aid  in  their 
power  ;  and  greatly  as  I  have  reason  to  confide  in  their 
judgment,  I  cannot  lightly  regard  the  opinion  and  wish  of 
these  brethren  that  I  should  accede  to  the  proposed  ar- 
rangements of  the  trustees. 

"  After  this  frank  disclosure  of  my  views,  gentlemen,  I 
wish  to  do,  or  at  least  try  to  do,  my  duty.  To  the  inter- 
ests of  this  sacred  seminary,  my  heart  is  devoted  with  an 
undivided  attachment.  No  object  on  earth  can  supersede 
this  in  my  regard.  If  I  may  be  instrumental  in  any  hum- 
ble measure  of  promoting  the  purposes  of  its  venerable 
founders,  in  aiding  to  raise  up  an  able  and  holy  ministry 
for  the  church,  it  will  be  the  consummation  of  my  wishes. 
If  the  trustees  continue  to  think  that  I  ought  to  engage  in 
the  service  assigned  me, — relying  on  their  candor,  and 
counsel,  and  prayers  ;  on  the  co-operation  of  my  beloved 
colleagues  ;  and  above  all  on  the  blessing  of  Him  who  can 
'  increase  strength  to  them  that  have  no  might,'  — I  will  doit. 
"  With  great  respect,  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Yours  &C.  E.  PuRTER." 

Though  the  trustees  very  kindly  afforded  Dr.  Porter  all 
the  relief  which  circumstances  would  permit,  still  his  re- 
sponsibility was  much  augmented  by  his  acceptance  of  the 
presidency.  Besides  the  duties  of  that  ofhcc,  he  continued 
his  public  lectures,  and  his  attendance  on  c(!rtain  other 
exercises  in  his  department.    This  increase  of  duties  una- 


120 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


voidably  encroached  upon  favorite  studies,  and  especially 
on  the  completion  of  lectures  which  he  deemed  indispen- 
sable to  his  highest  usefulness  in  the  field  of  labor  assign- 
ed him — lectures,  whose  plan  was  comprehensive,  and  in 
some  respects  original,  and  the  execution  of  which,  had 
its  author's  life  been  spared  to  accomplish  his  designs, 
would  have  laid  the  department  of  sacred  rhetoric  under 
greatly  increased  obligations  to  his  talents  and  industry. 

In  the  autumn  of  1829,  the  state  of  Dr.  Porter's  health 
again  awakened  fearful  apprehensions  respecting  the  con- 
sequences of  his  cf  ntinuing  through  the  winter  in  New 
England.  He  now  thought,  indeed,  very  seriously  of  re- 
signing bis  connection  with  the  seminary,  fearing  that  his 
continuance  in  office  might  prove  injurious  to  its  interests. 
The  expediency  of  his  retirement  he  submitted  to  several 
friends,  from  whom,  especially  those  connected  with  the 
seminary,  he  received  the  reply,  that  often  as  his  labors 
were  interrupted  by  illness,  they  could  not  be  dispensed 
with,  and  he  must  consent  to  continue  them.  Having 
become  satisfied  that  he  ought,  at  least  for  a  season,  to  re- 
main in  office,  he  deemed  it  his  duty  once  more  to  ask 
leave  of  absence,  hoping  that  he  might  again  derive  from 
a  southern  climate,  benefit  similar  to  that  he  had  experi- 
enced in  former  years.  In  his  communication  to  the 
trustees,  he  says — "  When  I  did  this  in  18'22,  it  was  with 
the  settled  purpose  of  never  repeating  the  experiment  in 
any  emergency.  But  viewing  as  the  probable  result  of 
that  experiment  all  that  I  have  been  able  to  accomplish 
for  the  last  seven  years,  it  is  a  serious  question  whether  I 
am  not  called  to  change  that  purpose.  If  I  regard  the 
views  of  some  more  competent  than  myself  to  judge  in  the 
case,  I  must  think  it  viay  be  my  duty.  That  it  will  be  so, 
I  cannot  decide  till  I  shall  have  seen  what  influence  Oc- 
tober may  have  on  my  health.  Reluctantly  as  I  should 
yield  to  the  conviction  that  I  am  called  to  leave  home, 


LIFE. 


121 


should  I  come  to  that  conviction,  I  request  that  the  trus- 
tees, in  addition  to  all  their  past  testimonies  of  kindness, 
will  give  me  leave  of  absence,  or  authorize  their  commit- 
tee to  act  provisionally,  as  the  case  may  require." 

This  request  of  Dr.  Porter  the  trustees  readily  granted; 
and  he  embarked  for  Charleston  in  October.  In  a  letter 
to  Mrs.  Porter,  dated  Charleston,  Dec,  31,  1829,  we  find 
the  following  reflections  : — 

"  In  writing  this  date,  two  thoughts  rush  upon  my 
mind.  One  is,  that  it  is  the  birth-day  of  her  whom  I  ad- 
dress, and  whose  interests,  affections,  trials,  and  enjoy- 
ments, have  now  for  thirty-two  years  been  identified  with 
my  own ;  and  on  whom  too,  for  many  of  these  years,  I 
have  depended  for  a  thousand  assiduous  attentions  to  my 
comfort  under  many  infirmities.  The  other  is,  that  this  is 
the  last  day  of  another  year.  Through  all  my  severe  suf- 
ferings from  sickness,  amounting  often,  as  you  know,  to 
agony  of  pain,  I  have  never  considered  myself  to  be  near 
my  end,  so  as  to  look  upon  speedy  death  as  a  probable 
event ;  yet  the  close  of  a  year  is  attended  with  a  ^et  of  re- 
flections now,  to  which  I  was  a  stranger  at  the  age  of 
thirty-five. — Those  whom  I  called  fathers  when  I  entered 
the  ministry  are  gone.  So  are  many  of  those  whom  I 
called  brethren.  So  are  many  of  my  associates  in  college 
and  early  boyhood;  many  of  these  too  who  were  robust 
men,  standing  strong  in  the  vigor  of  unimpaired  health, 
long  since  I  was  an  invalid.  Indeed,  of  the  strong  and 
healthy  among  my  early  acquaintance,  quite  as  great  a 
proportion  are  dead,  as  of  the  slender  and  infirm.  But 
when  I  reflect  how  many  who  were  born  since  myself,  are 
gone  into  eternity,  the  close  of  a  year  reminds  me  that  my 
remaining  days  cannot  be  many.  O  that  they  may  be 
more  unreservedly  devoted  to  God,  than  my  past  days 
have  been  !  " 

11 


122 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


After  a  few  weeks'  stay  in  Charleston,  he  proceeded  to 
St.  Augustine  to  spend  the  remainder  of  the  winter.  To 
a  friend  resident  in  his  family,  he  wrote  from  the  latter 
place  as  follows  : — 

"  St.  Augustine,  Feb.  10,  1830. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  As  some  acknowledgment  to  a  gracious  Providence 
for  his  kindness  to  me,  and  as  a  debt  which  I  owe  to  your 
goodness,  I  mean  to  write  as  long  a  letter  as  I  can  before 
the  mail  closes,  and  if  I  can  make  out  a  long  one,  shall 
address  half  of  it  to  you  and  half  to  Mrs.  Porter.  I  have 
delayed  this,  till  the  weekly  mail  arrived,  in  hopes  of 
something  from  Andover,  but  received  nothing  except  the 
Journal  of  Humanity.  I  am  not,  however,  so  absolutely 
at  leisure  here  as  you  might  suppose,  since  enough  of  my 
old  friends  follow  me  with  their  kind  regards,  to  give  me 
a  pretty  ample  correspondence.  Last  week  I  received 
eleven  letters  by  one  packet  schooner,  besides  bundles, 
small  and  large,  of  pamphlets,  &c.  The  answers,  to  a 
pretty  large  amount,  must  go  by  to-day's  mail,  making  a 
busy  day,  besides  what  I  have  before  done,  for  I  write 
much  longer  letters  here,  than  I  could  if  I  were  at  home. 

"  St.  Augustine  as  a  place,  is  perfectly  unique.  Its 
ancient  fortress  is  said  to  be  the  largest  and  most  complete 
work  of  the  kind  in  North  America.  Since  the  exchange 
of  flags,  this  structure  so  imposing  in  aspect,  is  going  to 
decay,  the  few  United  States'  troops  here  being  quartered 
in  barracks  the  other  side  of  the  town.  The  old  Spanish 
houses  with  massive  walls  and  doors,  remind  one  of  gone- 
by  ages,  when  feudal  habits  made  every  dwelling  a  military 
castle.  The  orange  groves,  intermingled  with  all  the 
buildings,  and  really  covering  the  whole  surface,  give  an 
air  of  enchantment  to  the  scenery.  Its  vicinity  to  the 
tropical  regions,  and  the  Gulf  stream,  are  said  to  contribute 


LIFE. 


133 


much  to  the  softness  and  uniformity  of  the  atmosphere; 
The  soil  is  so  absorbent,  that  water  is  seldom  seen  in  the 
streets,  and  mud  never. 

"  I  suppose  that  if  the  benefits  of  this  climate  were  un- 
derstood, some  thousands  of  northern  invalids  would  re- 
sort to  it  in  winter,  provided  that  good  accommodations 
were  furnished.  A  good  hospital,  and  good  private  board- 
ing houses — with  some  inland  establishment  for  country 
air,  would  make  the  place  much  preferable  as  a  resort  to 
those  who  need  a  southern  winter,  to  any  thing  that  can 
be  found  in  Europe,  or  the  West  Indies. 

The  three  first  weeks  of  my  residence  here,  we  had  one 
rainy  and  one  cloudy  day.  The  rest  were  clear,  soft,  in- 
vigorating. At  the  end  of  the  fourth  week,  we  have  had 
a  storm  from  N.  and  N.  E.  Thermometer  46  to  56, — 
generally  it  has  ranged  from  60  to  70. 

"The  population  of  St.  Augustine,  about  1,000  or  1,200, 
is  a  mixed  race.  A  few  Spaniards,  one  half  Americans, 
and  the  rest  Minorcans  brought  hither  by  the  English  as 
colonists,  while  they  held  the  country.  Among  the  latter, 
who  again  are  mixed  with  Greek  blood,  you  now  and  then 
see,  on  a  peasant's  body,  a  noble  Greek  head.  The  na- 
tives are  Catholics,  generally  poor  and  ignorant.  We  in- 
tend making  some  serious  efforts  this  winter  to  break  the 
fetters  of  superstition  in  which  they  are  bound. 

"  See  that  I  hear  often  from  the  '  Sacred  Hill.' 

"  Affectionately." 

Dr.  Porter's  residence  at  St.  Augustine,  it  would  seem, 
was  beneficial  even  beyond  his  anticipations,  enabling 
him,  besides  preparing  occasional  coninmnications  to  the 
senior  class,  for  whose  instruction  he  was  yet  chiefly  re- 
sponsible, to  prosecute  with  happy  results  his  own  studies. 
In  a  letter  to  one  of  his  colleagues,  he  remarks,  with  refer- 
ence to  his  mode  of  employing  his  time  : — 


124 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  The  books  which  I  brought  out  from  my  own 
library  have  been  a  great  comfort  to  me.  Some  of  them 
which  have  stood  for  several  years  on  my  shelves,  I  have 
found  no  time  to  read  till  this  winter.  I  am  making  some 
progress  too  in  writing.  My  plan  of  study,  so  far  as  I  can 
study,  is  1st.  Reading,  as  above.  2.  Writing  lectures  or 
letters  to  the  senior  class  on  preaching.  3.  Do.  on  elo- 
quence, that  is,  rewriting  and  enlarging  what  was 
unfinished  on  the  subject.  4.  Making  a  book  smaller 
than  the  Analysis,  on  reading,  &lc.,  for  high  schools  and 
academies.  5.  Abridging  Owen  on  Spiritual  Mindedness. 
My  hopes  are  apt  to  outrun  my  capabilities,  and  how  far  I 
may  go  in  executing  this  plan,  Providence  will  determine, 
and  time  disclose.  I  am  compelled  to  devote  most  of  my 
time  to  exercise,  and  it  would  amuse  my  old  friends  to  see 
mc  walking  with  no  additional  clothing,  even  about  my 
neck,  or  mounted  on  an  Indian  pony,  with  my  feet  almost 
reaching  the  ground." 

In  this  connection  we  quote  a  few  remarks  from  a  com- 
munication on  this  subject,  subsequently  made  to  the 
Visitors  of  the  seminary  : — 

"  My  plan  on  leaving  home  last  autumn,  was  to  winter 
if  possible  in  Carolina,  and  regularly  send  to  the  senior 
class  whatever  I  might  write  for  their  instruction.  Ac- 
cordingly I  took  with  me  a  trunk  of  such  books  as  I  should 
most  need,  many  of  which  I  had  found  no  time  to  read  at 
home.  After  I  went  to  St.  Augustine,  a  measure  which 
was  deemed  indispensable  by  my  medical  advisers,  a  part 
of  my  plan  was  frustrated.  The  regular  and  safe  convey- 
ance to  Andover  of  letters  and  manuscripts  was  cut  off. 
Generally,  however,  I  was  enabled  to  spend  several  hours 
a  day  in  study  ;  and  besides  maintaining  an  extensive 
correspondence,  I  prosecuted  my  professional  reading  to 


LIFE. 


125 


some  extent,  completed  a  course  of  lectures  on  eloquence, 
which  I  had  before  begun,  and  extended  my  lectures  on 
preaching  by  writing  about  five  new  ones  on  the  general 
characteristics  of  sermons."  lie  adds  incidentally, — "  to 
finish  my  whole  plan  of  instruction  on  preaching,  would 
require  perhaps  twenty  or  twenty-five  additional  lectures." 

From  the  subjoined  remarks  found  in  the  same  commu- 
nication, it  appears  that  Dr.  Porter  was  still  doubtful 
whether  duty  did  not  require  the  dissolution  of  his  con- 
nection with  the  seminary.  "  On  account  of  the  broken 
state  of  my  health,  during  the  past  year,  it  has  been  with 
me,  gentlemen,  a  subject  of  serious  consideration  whether 
it  would  not  be  best  for  the  great  interests  with  which  I 
am  connected,  and  for  myself,  that  my  official  relation  to 
the  seminary  should  cease.  I  have  concluded  however, 
for  the  present,  to  leave  this  question  to  Providence,  and 
to  the  guardians  of  these  sacred  interests  ;  wishing  to  be 
expressly  understood,  that  no  consideration  of  personal 
regard  to  myself  ought  materially  to  affect  its  decision  ;  at 
least  so  as  to  protract  my  relations  here  beyond  what  is 
required  by  the  substantial  welfare  of  the  seminary." 

To  Mrs.  Porter  he  writes  from  St.  Augustine  : — "  I  am 
almost  afraid  to  tell  you  that  during  the  past  week,  I 
y/xoie  four  lectures  ;  an  amount  of  writing  which  I  have 
no  remembrance  of  ever  accomplishing  before  in  so  short 
a  time.  The  truth  is,  that  by  the  influence  of  this  genial 
climate,  and  the  blessing  of  God  on  my  exact  regimen, 
and  abundant  exercise  in  the  open  air,  which  I  am  here 
enabled  to  take  almost  without  any  interruption,  I  have 
been  increasing  in  health  more  decidedly  for  the  last  three 
or  four  weeks,  than  at  any  other  period  since  leaving 
home.  This  is  a  subject  of  common  remark  to  those 
around  me.  They  are  ready  to  admire,  while  they  admit 
11* 


126 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


the  fact,  that  my  abstemious  food  and  daily  study,  is 
more  conducive  to  health  than  their  own  habits  of  eating 
and  drinking  every  thing,  and  laboriously  continuing  to 
kill  time  by  doing  nothing.  Among  seventy  or  eighty 
invalids,  I  suppose  the  grand  inquiry  of  three- fourths  has 
been,  'what  shall  we  eat  and  drink?'  'how  shall  we 
amuse  ourselves  ? '  Males  and  females  have  danced  till 
midnight,  and  spit  blood  next  morning.  No  one  of  them 
all,  I  presume,  has  been  as  much  benefitted  by  the  climate 
as  myself  Yet  I  am  a  frail  child  of  dust,  and  one  week 
of  such  sickness  as  I  experienced  at  Charleston,  would 
make  a  wreck  of  me.  For  the  present,  however,  it  seems 
plainly  providential  that  I  should  have  come  here,  where  I 
can  do  more,  even  for  the  time  being,  to  serve  the  interests 
of  our  sacred  seminary,  than  I  could  in  Andover,  with 
such  health  as  I  had  a  year  ago. 

"  I  am  indeed  a  wonder  to  myself,  when  I  look  back 
and  recollect  the  extreme  agony  that  I  have  endured  from 
rheumatism,  colic,  pleurisy,  &,c.,  and  the  violent  influenzas 
by  which  my  lungs  have  been  often  assailed  ;  and  yet  find 
any  stamina  left,  on  which  to  build  a  hope  that  I  may  live 
a  little  longer,  and  do  something  for  the  church.  O  that 
I  may  consecrate  to  God  alone,  whatever  strength  it  shall 
please  him  to  allow  me.  Heretofore  I  do  not  remember 
the  day,  through  which  I  was  confined  to  my  bed,  in  all 
my  distracted  health ;  but  the  day  must  come  before  long, 
when  this  frail  body  must  '  lie  down  and  rise  not  till  the 
heavens  shall  be  no  more.'  In  the  mean  time  I  shall  be 
an  invalid.  You  will  recollect  that  for  the  first  half  of  my 
ministry  at  Washington,  and  with  few  exceptions  for  the 
last  half,  though  far  from  robust,  I  braved  the  elements  in 
the  discharge  of  official  duties,  rarely  turning  aside  for 
rain,  or  snow,  or  tempest.  But  this  in  our  rough  climate, 
I  can  never  hope  to  do  again,  unless  I  abandon  study  and 
public  responsibilities,  and  betake  myself  wholly  to  the 


LIFE. 


127 


preservation  of  animal  life;  and  then  to  what  purpose 
should  1  live?" 

From  St.  Augustine  Dr.  Porter  returned  to  Charleston 
early  in  April,  with  health  so  much  improved  as  to 
inspire  the  hope,  that  by  a  more  protracted  suspension  of 
official  labor  than  he  at  first  contemplated,  he  might  obtain 
great,  and  perhaps  permanent  relief  His  views,  which 
had  undergone  some  change  as  to  the  nature  of  his  mala- 
dies and  the  probability  of  lasting  advantage  from  the  use 
of  proper  means,  he  thus  expresses  in  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Porter. 
"  Since  I  left  home,  my  infirmities  have  either  changed, 
or  become  more  fully  developed.  Being  at  present  satis- 
fied that  I  have  no  fixed  disease,  except  the  prostration  of 
digestive  organs,  I  think  it  worth  a  fair  experiment  whether 
I  may  not  surmount  this,  so  as  to  labor  for  the  church  a 
few  years  more.  Just  in  proportion  as  I  increase  in  health 
before  next  May,  I  shall  feel  inclined  durmg  the  summer, 
to  make  efforts  for  a  thorough  restoration.  As  my  life 
while  it  may  be  spared,  and  ail  my  powers  of  usefulness 
are  dedicated  to  God,  I  wish  to  do  his  will  so  far  as  I  may 
learn  it  from  the  indications  of  his  providence." 

With  the  conviction  above  expressed,  that  he  ought  for 
a  longer  period  to  seek  the  restoration  of  his  health,  two 
plans  offered  themselves  for  his  consideration  :  the  first,  to 
spend  tlie  s  immer  in  journeying  in  the  northern  States 
and  in  tilling  his  land ;  the  second,  to  cross  the  Atlantic 
and  spend  the  summer  in  Europe.  The  former  of  these 
he  preferred,  while  his  southern  friends,  among  whom 
were  several  judicious  physicians,  advised  to  the  latter.  To 
Mrs.  Porter  he  writes, — '*  I  have  sought  divine  guidance 
in  this  thing,  and  shall  decide  it  as  soon  as  possible.  But 
my  mind  strongly  preponderates  to  the  decision  against 
this  long  voyage.  The  sea,  though  useful  to  my  chest,  is 
clearly  injurious  to  my  gastric  organs  ;  and  the  thought  of 


198 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


mingling  for  four  or  five  months  among  strangers,  with  my 
dyspeptic  habits  as  to  food,  is  repulsive.  I  am  much 
inclined  to  conclude  that  travelling  in  the  north,  with  a 
trial  of  the  springs — perhaps  a  visit  to  Niagara  and 
duebec — perhaps,  instead  of  these  or  besides  them, 
ploughing  at  Andover,  may  do  me  more  substantial  good 
that  a  foreign  voyage."  In  coming  to  tiie  decision  against 
crossing  the  Atlantic,  he  afterwards  felt  to  the  close  of  his 
life,  that  in  answer  to  the  many  prayers  offered  in  his 
behalf,  he  enjoyed  divine  direction.  The  vessel  on  board 
which  he  would  have  sailed,  was  burned  by  lightning  on  its 
outward  passage. 

When  Dr.  Porter  took  leave  of  Charleston,  he  believed 
as  in  1822,  that  this  was  his  final  visit.  His  reflections, 
contained  in  a  l^er  to  Mrs.  Porter,  just  before  he  left  the 
city,  are  presented  to  the  reader. 

"  In  winding  up  my  visit  to  this  city  for  the  last  time, 
various  reflections  crowd  upon  my  mind.  Eight  years  ago, 
I  left  it  with  the  full  persuasion  that  I  should  never  see  it 
again.  My  settled  purpose  was  to  stay  at  home  and  trust 
Providence,  come  what  might.  This  purpose  I  changed 
last  autumn,  most  reluctantly,  in  compliance  with  the 
decided  and  united  advice  of  friends — advice  which  I 
now  (more  fully  than  I  did  at  the  time)  see  to  have  been 
judicious.  While  it  has  rescued  me  for  a  season,  from  the 
cares  and  labors  to  which  my  strength  was  unequal,  it  has 
saved  me  from  northern  influenza,  one  severe  attack  of 
which  would  probably  have  finished  the  work  of  prostra- 
tion, in  my  broken  health.  It  has  given  me  opportunity 
too  for  study,  which  I  have  prosecuted  as  far  as  was  best, 
(perhaps  farther,)  though  I  have  accomplished  less  than  I 
wished  ;  for  in  truth  my  love  of  study  was  never  more 
intense,  at  any  moment  of  my  life,  than  it  is  now.  Oh 
how  much  is  yet  unaccomplished  of  the  work  which  I  had 


LIFE. 


129 


assigned  myself  to  do  before  I  die  !  God  knows  whether 
it  is  best  I  should  do  it ;  and  to  him  I  cheerfully  leave  all. 

"  His  goodness  to  me  is  called  up  afresh  to  my  recol- 
lection, in  preparing  to  leave  this  city.  Here  he  has  given 
me  friends,  whose  kind  regards  far  exceed  all  my  deserts. 
In  walking  for  exercise,  I  have  almost  daily  passed  across 
the  spot  where  a  furious  horse,  having  run  away  with  a 
gig,  dashed  me  headlong  on  the  side-walk  in  18~0,  and 
then  trampled  me  under  his  feet.  In  another  part  of  the 
city,  I  often  see  the  well-frame,  against  which  another 
frightened  horse  dashed  the  chaise  of  Mrs.  O'Neale  ;  and 
where  she  who  had  been  an  angel  of  mercy  in  ministering 
to  me,  when  I  had  escaped  from  a  similar  disaster,  found 
her  own  death.  Oh  that  He,  who  by  His  own  divine 
teaching,  can  enable  his  children  to  find  '  sermons  in 
stones,  and  good  in  every  thing,'  would  help  my  ungrateful 
heart  to  receive  the  instruction  proffered  by  these  silent 
ptiemorials  of  his  goodness,  and  my  own  frailty." 


CHAPTER  X. 


Resigns  professorship  of  Sacred  Rhetoric — Embarks  for  Charles- 
ton, ancornpanied  by  Mrs.  Porter — Proceeds  to  Walterboro'  and 
Columbia— Delivers  course  of  lectures  in  Theological  Seminary 
at  C— Return  to  Andover — Health  but  little  improved— Again 
advised  to  go  south — Resolves  to  remain  in  Andover — Sickness 
and  death  of  his  niece— His  letter  to  her  parents— His  own 
sickness  and  death — Funeral — Nature  of  his  disorder. 

In  pursuance  of  his  general  plan  for  the  restoration 
of  his  health,  Dr.  Porter  spent  but  a  small  part  of  the 
summer  of  1830  in  Andover.  He  performed  little  more 
of  official  duty  than  to  revise  the  preparations  for  anni- 
versary belonging  to  the  rhetorical  department,  and  to 
preside  on  that  occasion.  At  the  meeting  of  the  trustees 
immediately  following  the  anniversary,  he  tendered  his 
resignation  of  the  Professorship  of  Sacred  Rhetoric. 

"  To  the  Rev.  and  Hon.  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Phillips' 
Academy. 

"  Gentlemen, 

"  Since  the  office  of  a  President  in  the  Seminary  was 
created  in  1827,  and  I  was  called  to  undertake  the  dis- 
charge of  its  duties,  I  have  deemed  some  new  arrange- 
ment necessary  as  to  the  rhetorical  department.  This 
arrangement,  delayed  by  circumstances  beyond  our  control, 


LIFE. 


131 


I  think  it  indispensable  should  now  be  carried  into  effect. 
My  reasons,  given  more  at  length  in  my  communication 
of  yesterday,  briefly  are,  that  the  amount  of  duties  in  the 
two  offices  is  greater  than  one  man  in  the  best  health  can 
adequately  discharge ;  and  because  the  impaired  state  of 
my  health  renders  it  especially  inexpedient  that  I  should 
longer  sustain  the  responsibility  of  both. 

"  The  professorship  of  Sacred  Rhetoric,  therefore,  I  beg 
leave  to  resign,  and  I  do  hereby  resign,  from  and  after  the 
time  that  a  new  professor  shall  be  elected  in  this  depart- 
ment; and  I  farther  wish  to  relinquish  permanently,  five 
hundred  dollars  of  my  annual  salary,  to  aid  in  carrying  the 
above  arrangement  into  immediate  operation. 

"  With  great  respect  I  am,  gentlemen,  yours  &.c. 

"  E.  Porter." 

Sept.  23,  1830. 

Notwithstanding  his  resignation.  Dr.  Porter  continued 
to  sustain  the  responsibility  of  giving  lectures,  and  direct- 
ing the  studies  of  the  rhetorical  department,  with  the  aid 
of  temporary  assistants  appointed  by  the  trustees,  until 
Oct.  1832,  when  the  vacant  chair  was  filled  by  the 
election  of  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Skinner,  D.  D.  His  pro- 
tracted exemption  indeed  from  official  responsibilities  in 
1830,  had  so  checked  the  progress  of  his  maladies,  and 
increased  his  bodily  vigor,  that  he  was  enabled  during  the 
academical  year  which  followed,  to  pursue  the  work  of 
giving  lectures  to  an  extent  which  even  exceeded  his  own 
expectations.  In  his  report  to  the  trustees  in  Sept.  1831, 
he  remarks,  that  in  consequence  of  repeated  solicitations 
of  the  senior  class,  he  had  "given  a  greater  number  of 
written  lectures  than  in  any  previous  year."  And  in  his 
report  to  the  trustees  for  the  year  ending  Sept.  1832,  he 
informs  them  that  he  had  designed,  after  delivering  one 
course  of  his  public  lectures  to  the  senior  class  in  the 


132 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


autumn,  to  devote  one  half  of  his  time  for  the  residue  of 
the  winter  term  to  pastoral  labor  among  the  students,  with 
a  primary  reference  to  the  promotion  of  their  personal 
piety.  ''  I  was  the  more  settled  in  this  purpose,"  he 
remarks,  "  from  the  full  conviction  that  no  other  adequate 
means  can  be  employed  to  anticipate  and  frustrate  those 
deleterious  influences,  which  are  always  liable  to  occur 
among  a  large  collection  of  even  educated  and  pious 
young  men,  who  notwithstanding  are  very  various  in 

their  temper  and  habits."  "It  pleased  God,  however, 

that  my  hopes  should  be  frustrated  by  sickness.  After 
my  lecturing  was  finished,  the  dreadful  epidemic,  which 
accompanied  the  intense  severity  of  the  winter,  and  to 
which  many  strong  and  useful  men  through  the  country, 
had  already  fallen  victims,  made  its  repeated  attacks  on 
me.  The  consequence  was  long  continued  confinement 
to  my  home,  and  great  prostration,  from  which  1  am  still 
but  imperfectly  recovered." 

To  Dr.  Potter's  friends  as  well  as  to  himself,  it  was 
apparent  through  the  summer  of  1832,  that  his  health  was 
sinking;  and  as  in  former  years,  they  now  advised  him  to 
try  the  expedient  to  which  he  had  often  resorted — a  re- 
moval to  a  southern  climate.  Averse  to  considering  a 
subject  so  painful  to  his  feelings,  as  separation  for  another 
winter  from  his  beloved  colleagues,  and  home,  and  still 
more  beloved  labors,  he  persisted  in  his  determination  to 
continue  in  Andover,  until  impelled  to  change  it  by  the 
conviction,  that  a  due  regard  to  higher  interests  than  his 
own  demanded  the  sacrifice.  With  this  conviction,  hav- 
ing made  the  necessary  arrangements,  he  embarked  at 
Boston,  early  in  October,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Porter, 
whose  attentions  his  situation  rendered  indispensable. 
He  designed  to  proceed  by  way  of  Charleston  to  St.  Au- 
gustine. At  Charleston  they  went  on  board  a  vessel  for 
St.  Augustine,  but  after  encountering  severe  head  winds 


LIFE. 


133 


for  several  hours,  were  compelled  to  disembark  ;  when 
Providence,  which  had  thus  interposed,  directed  their 
course  to  the  interior  of  South  Carolina.  In  January  they 
proceeded  to  Walterboro'.  A  residence  at  this  place,  on 
account  of  both  its  soil  and  atmosphere,  they  found  highly 
conducive  to  his  health  ;  while  their  stay  was  rendered 
doubly  pleasant,  by  the  kind  attentions  of  pious  and  intel- 
ligent friends,  and  by  the  existence  of  an  unusually  inter- 
esting state  of  religious  feeling.  While  here  he  wrote  a 
part  of  his  very  valuable  Letters  on  Revivals.  Having 
been  solicited  to  deliver  a  course  of  Lectures  in  his  depart- 
ment, to  the  students  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Co- 
lumbia, he  removed  thither  for  that  purpose.  To  this  sub- 
ject he  thus  alludes,  in  a  letter  to  one  of  his  colleagues  : — 
"  As  to  this  concern,  I  had  as  long  ago  as  December,  an 
official  request  from  the  Directors  of  the  Seminary  to  give 
a  course  of  Lectures,  After  my  dread  of  the  ocean  led 
me  to  decline  going  to  Augustine,  I  consented  to  visit 
Columbia,  as  soon  as  I  could  think  it  conducive  to  my  pri- 
mary object,  the  confirmation  of  my  health.  It  seems 
plain  enough  that  what  I  can  do  en  passant,  and  without 
injury  to  myself,  to  aid  in  forming  the  habits  of  this  infant 
seminary  ouglit  to  be  done.  All  the  classes  attend  my 
lectures,  and  they  are  disposed  to  make  every  arrange- 
ment, as  to  time,  place,  &c.,  for  my  accommodation.  In- 
deed I  shall  not  go  an  inch  beyond  what  is  safe  and  con- 
venient to  myself."  The  delivery  of  the  lectures  was  fol- 
lowed by  an  urgent  request  for  their  speedy  publication, 
especially  those  on  Homiletics — a  request  which  somewhat 
hastened  the  appearance  of  the  volume  published  just  be. 
fore  his  decease.  He  left  Columbia  the  1st  of  May,  re- 
turning by  way  of  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  Saratoga 
Springs,  and  reached  Andover  about  the  1st  of  July. 
Though  he  accomplished  much  during  this  absence  for 
the  sacred  cause  to  which  his  life  was  devoted,  his  health 
12 


134 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


was  not  permanently  benefitted  ;  owing  perhaps  partly,  to 
his  application  to  study  and  more  public  duties ;  but  more, 
probably,  to  the  progress  of  disease.  For  from  this  period 
the  ravages  of  disease  upon  him,  became  more  a  subject 
of  apprehension  and  of  occasional  remark  among  his  inti- 
mate friends,  than  ever  before.  Still,  without  any  de- 
crease of  energy  perceivable  except  by  his  daily  associ- 
ates, he  entered  upon  his  official  duties  after  his  return, 
and  continued  to  discharge  them  through  the  summer  and 
autumn  of  1833.  The  increased  solicitude  of  his  friends 
respecting  the  effect  of  the  approaching  winter  upon  him, 
induced  them  more  urgently  than  formerly,  to  press  his 
removal  to  a  milder  atmosphere.  But  his  final  resolution 
was  adopted.  To  a  state  of  exile,  to  which  he  had  always 
compared  his  lot  in  his  absences,  he  had  been  submissive 
because  it  was  ordered  by  his  heavenly  Father.  Still  he 
could  not  believe  it  to  be  his  duty  again  to  separate  him- 
self, for  more  than  half  a  year,  from  his  family  ;  nor  could 
he  consent  that  his  beloved  wife  should  be  subjected  to 
the  complicated  trials  and  anxieties  she  must  endure,  if 
liis  companion.  He  therefore  determined  to  commit  him- 
self to  divine  protection — to  remain  in  Andover,  and  abide 
the  result.  That  he  might  secure  as  nearly  as  possible 
the  advantages  of  a  southern  climate,  he  placed  a  large 
stove  in  the  central  entry  of  his  house,  by  means  of  which 
about  the  same  temperature  might  be  preserved  through- 
out the  several  apartments.  Some  expedient  of  this  sort, 
in  the  existing  state  of  his  vital  organs,  was  indispensable, 
as  he  could  not  endure  respiration  in  an  atmosphere  below 
a  middling  temperature.  This  he  found  highly  conducive 
to  his  comfort,  as  he  was  enabled  by  it  to  pass  from  one 
apartment  to  another  without  inconvenience.  He  was 
thus  carried  comfortably  through  the  winter  of  1833-34, 
and  he  flattered  himself  that  he  had  made  a  discovery 
which  would  supersede  the  necessity,  of  another  flight 


LIFE. 


135 


from  the  frosts  of  New-England.  But  for  some  weeks  pre- 
vious to  his  last  illness,  it  had  been  sufficiently  obvious  to 
his  colleagues,  and  to  Mrs.  Porter,  to  render  it  a  subject 
of  remark,  that  he  was  failing.  The  progress  of  his  disor- 
der was  perhaps  accelerated,  and  his  decease  hastened  by 
the  sickness  and  death  of  a  beloved  niece,  who  had  been 
for  years  a  member  of  his  family,  and  for  months  his 
almost  constant  attendant.  Her  disorder,  an  inflammation 
of  the  brain,  from  its  commencement  produced  mental 
alienation,  and  rendered  her  the  subject  of  extreme,  and 
at  times,  of  indescribable  anguish.  When  in  a  few  in- 
stances Dr.  Porter  entered  her  chamber,  and  witnessed 
her  agony,  he  seemed  to  lose  his  self-possession.  And  her 
shrieks,  which  were  occasionally  heard  in  his  study,  pro- 
duced agitation  of  his  muscular  frame,  the  discovery  of 
which  awakened  anxious  forebodings,  lest  the  shock 
should  prove  too  powerful  for  his  enfeebled  energies. 
These  forebodings  were  not  groundless  ;  for  though  he 
attended  to  official  calls,  a  prostration  of  bodily  and  men- 
tal vigor  ensued,  which  was  very  apparent  to  those  who 
daily  saw  him.  Still  he  seemed  to  preserve  his  usual  air 
of  cheerfulness,  and  to  inquiries  respecting  his  health,  he 
would  answer — "  much  as  usual." 

Dr.  Porter's  niece  referred  to  was  Miss  Lucy  Irene 
Stone,  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Timothy  Stone  of  Cornwall, 
Connecticut.  She  had  resided  with  her  uncle  from  the 
age  of  eleven  years,  and  had  been  adopted  by  him.  Her 
intellect,  under  his  direction,  had  been  subjected  to  judi- 
cious discipline.  But  her  sweetness  of  disposition,  her 
unaffected  piety,  and  her  unwearied  attentions  to  him,  had 
rendered  her  peculiarly  the  object  of  his  affection.  He 
loved  her  as  his  own  child.  It  was  evident  that  in  re- 
moving this  young  lady,  the  Lord  had  taken  a  friend  on 
whom  Dr.  Porter  was  accustomed  very  much  to  lean.  She 
had  for  months  assisted  him  in  transcribing  papers,  which 


136 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


in  the  discharge  of  official  duty  he  had  occasion  to  pre- 
pare. Several  of  his  most  valuable  manuscript  Sermons 
are  in  her  hand  writing.  She  died,  after  two  weeks'  ill- 
ness, March  12,  1834,  aged  nineteen  years. 

Dr.  Porter's  views  of  her  character,  and  the  strength  of 
his  attachment  are  thus  expressed  in  a  letter  to  her 
parents,  announcing  her  decease.  This  letter,  the  last  he 
ever  wrote,  serves  equally  to  exhibit  his  spirit  of  submis- 
sion under  severe  affliction. 

"  Theol.  Seminary,  Andover,  March  15,  1834. 
"  Dear  Brother  and  Sister, 

"  The  agony  is  over. — Our  beloved  Irene  was  commit- 
ted to  the  grave  yesterday,  P.  M. — 4  o'clock.  Our  family 
history  of  thirty-seven  years,  has  no  such  event  recorded 
in  it  before.  Our  house,  which  we  have  occupied  twenty- 
two  years,  has  never  been  a  house  of  mourning  before. 
Death  has  long  shaken  his  dart  at  us,  and  now  he  has  smit- 
ten the  victim  that  no  one  would  have  anticipated — the 
healthiest  member  of  the  family,  and  almost  of  the  neigh- 
borhood. 

"  Before  giving  the  account  of  her  sickness,  I  ought  to 
say,  that  we  have  had  the  most  satisfactory  evidence,  for 
some  time  past,  that  she  was  a  real  Christian.  So  strong 
was  our  hope  of  this,  that  when  the  disease  began  to  as- 
sume the  symptoms  of  a  fatal  termination,  we  had  but  one 
point  of  struggle,  '  how  can  we  spare  her  ?  '  To  herself 
we  had  no  doubt  that  death  would  be  an  exchange  of 
earth  for  heaven. 

"  The  general  pressure  of  the  case  has  been  more  than 
I  could  have  sustained  under  my  frail  health,  but  for  the 
delightful  evidence  of  her  piety,  and  the  solemn  and  steady 
belief  that  '  as  for  God,  his  way  is  perfect.'  We  bowed 
down,  day  by  day,  and  said,  'Father,  let  this  cup  pass; — 
nevertheless,  not  as  ive  will  but  as  thuu  wilt.'    While  we 


LIFE. 


137 


thus  gave  her  up  to  God,  many  recollections  and  associa- 
tions respecting  her  were  too  interesting  to  be  grouped 
together  and  dwelt  upon — but  have  been  postponed  to 
come  up  separately  and  successively,  as  we  can  bear  them. 
I  have  repeatedly  said  to  my  wife,  as  an  encouragement  to 
take  pains  with  Irene  in  her  training  for  usefulness  — that 
I  considered  her  as  the  most  promising  young  lady  of  her 
age  in  my  acquaintance.  This  estimate  |is  not  a  partial 
one,  but  coincides  with  the  sentiment  of  respectable  people 
around  us,  now  and  heretofore. 

"  During  the  past  winter,  as  she  has  recited  to  me  Beattie 
on  Truth,  &c.,  I  have  been  delighted  with  the  clearness 
and  strength  of  her  reasoning  powers ;  and  her  capacity 
to  repeat,  in  most  appropriate  language,  every  chief 
thought,  in  a  lesson  read,  or  a  sermon  she  heard  preached. 
The  particulars  of  her  sickness,  which  I  intended  to  give, 
I  must  now  leave  to  Mrs.  Porter  and  her  brother,  as  I  am 
too  much  exhausted  to  use  my  pen  more  at  present. 
"  Your  afflicted  brother, 

"  E.  Porter." 

The  first  distinct  intimation  which  Dr.  Porter's  family 
recollect,  that  he  was  conscious  of  an  unfiivorable  change 
in  his  health,  was  given  a  few  days  after  the  death  of  his 
niece,  to  one  of  his  colleagues,  wlio  had  called  to  tender 
his  sympathy.  "  Brother  Stuart,"  said  he,  in  an  unusually 
solemn  tone,  as  the  family  were  seated  around  the  supper 
table,  "  I  have  never  felt  before  that  prostration  of  all  my 
vital  powers,  which  I  have  felt  lately."  Professor  Stuart 
mentioned  his  late  affliction  as  a  sufficient  cause  for  his 
depressed  health.  "  I  have  known,"  Dr.  Porter  replied, 
"  what  affliction  was  before,  and  know  its  effects  upon  the 
animal  system,  but  1  never  before  was  so  weak  that  I 
found  a  serious  difference  between  the  weight  of  a  full 
and  an  empty  sugar  bowl."  As  Mrs.  Porter  who  had 
12* 


138  MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 

been  for  several  days  confined  by  illness  induced  by 
watching  and  fatigue,  became  able  to  resume  the  care  of 
her  husband,  he  seemed  to  revive,  and  his  friends  were 
inspired  with  the  hope  that  he  might  regain  his  usual  vigor. 
But  their  hopes  were  soon  cloilded.  He  would  occasion- 
ally ask  for  articles  of  diet,  about  which  he  had  alwaya 
been  indilferent.  Some  little  singularities  in  his  conver- 
sation began  also  to  be  noticed,  which  they  feared,  though 
they  were  unwilling  to  admit,  might  betoken  mental  aber- 
ration. His  last  official  act,  performed  just  a  week  before 
his  death,  was  the  writing  of  the  usual  recommendatory 
certificate  for  the  senior  class,  preparatory  to  their  receiv- 
ing license  to  preach.  From  the  commencement  of  his 
illness,  it  was  thought  advisable  on  account  of  his  peculiar 
situation,  that  friends  should  be  permitted  to  see  him  but 
little.  For  the  following  particulars  of  the  closing  scene 
of  his  life,  the  compiler  is  indebted  to  Mr.  T.  D.  P.  Stone, 
brother  of  the  young  lady  above  mentioned,  and  an  adop- 
ted son  of  Dr.  Porter. 

"  Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  in  his  case  until 
Thursday,  April  3d,  excepting  that  he  cupped  himself  sev- 
eral times,  as  he  used  to  do,  in  attacks  of  pleurisy  ;  and 
that  he  utterly  refused  to  have  a  physician  called.  On 
Thursday,  the  annual  State  Fast,  the  family  physician 
was  called  in,  almost  against  Dr.  Porter's  will.  He  de- 
scribed his  symptoms  well,  but  there  was  a  languid  indis- 
crepancy  about  his  conversation  that  produced  alarm. 
This  grew  worse  and  worse.  At  length  lethargy  came  on, 
interrupted  at  intervals  by  severe  pain  in  his  right  leg, 
which  was  much  swollen.  By  request  of  the  physician, 
other  medical  counsel  was  sought,  but  his  case  was  pro- 
nounced utterly  hopeless — he  must  die.  For  us,  nothing 
remained,  but  to  soothe  his  pains,  and  gaze  upon  his 
clear  expressive  countenance,  soon  to  be  pale  in  death. 
Day  after  day  we  stood  in  awful  suspense.    We  could 


LIFE. 


139 


not  converse  with  him,  for  his  mind  was  overwhehned 
by  disease.  Yet  in  his  wanderings  tliere  was  ricliness 
and  eloquence — there  was  no  littleness  of  thought.  He 
seemed  to  grasp  the  world.  His  sentences  might  com- 
mence with  a  reference  to  his  pains,  to  faculty  business, 
or  to  fiinily  concerns,  and  end  with  the  conversion  of 
the  world,  the  safety  of  the  republic,  or  the  millennium, 
which  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  day  to  which  his 
heart  was  unalterably  attached,  seem  to  harbinger. 

"  The  Sabbath  previous  to  his  death,  a  barber  was  sent 
for  to  shave  him.  Though  he  had  been  quite  lethargic  for 
some  time,  and  seemed  unconscious  of  what  was  passing, 
he  opened  his  eyes  as  the  barber  was  preparing  to  leave 

the  room,  and  said,  '  Mr.  ,  I  don't  know  but  you 

have  conscientious  scruples  about  taking  pay  on  the  Sab- 
bath— if  so,  just  let  it  be,  and  D  will  call  and 

pay  you  to-morrow.'  In  the  evening,  he  raised  a  little 
blood,  which  he  appeared  to  notice  as  an  indication  of  in- 
creasing inflammation.  Soon  after,  as  Mrs.  Porter  was 
passing  through  the  room,  he  called  her  to  his  couch  and 
said,  '  take  the  watch  and  sit  down  by  me' — evidently 
wishing  her  to  ascertain  whether  his  pulse  indicated  a 
change.  His  sentences  were  afterwards  generally  broken 
off  before  they  were  completed,  and  gradually  became  mere 
monosyllables.  Dr.  Woods  called  to  see  him  a  few  hours 
before  he  died,  and  during  his  stay  he  said  'yes'  and  'no' 
in  answer  to  questions  respecting  some  medicine,  and  never 
spoke  again. — Two  or  three  of  the  last  days  of  his  life,  he 
had  frequent  chills,  which  seemed  like  the  struggles  of 
death,  and  could  be  removed  only  by  enveloping  him  in 
hot  blankets. — Mrs.  Porter's  voice  and  even  her  presence, 
generally  excited  him  so  much  that  it  was  deemed  pru- 
dent for  her  to  be  away  from  him  much  of  the  time.  But 
during  his  last  chill,  his  wonted  recollection  seemed  to 
return,  and  he  could  no  longer  be  denied  her  presence  ; 


140 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


and  when  she  came  at  his  call,  and  stood  by  him  and 
smoothed  his  pillow,  her  kind  attentions  were  as  usual  re- 
ceived with  evident  delight.  This  appearance  was  how- 
ever but  momentary — a  dense  cloud  again  shrouded  his 
intellect,  which  was  not  removed  till  dissipated  by  the 
visions  of  eternity.  Monday  evening  the  family  retired, 
without  expectation  of  his  speedy  dissolution,  leaving  him 
in  charge  of  two  of  his  beloved  pupils.  They  were  soon 
aroused,  however,  by  the  painful  intelligence  that  he 
seemed  in  the  agonies  of  death.  His  vital  energies  be- 
came exhausted,  and  his  spirit  took  its  flight  about  two 
o'clock,  Tuesday  morning,  April  8th,  1834." 

The  funeral  was  attended  the  Friday  following  his  de- 
cease, in  the  chapel  of  the  theological  seminary.  Most 
of  the  trustees  and  visitors  of  the  institution,  and  a  numer- 
ous body  of  the  clergy,  united  in  the  last  tribute  of  respect 
to  the  remains  of  one  whom  living,  they  loved,  and  dead, 
they  lamented  and  revered.  Among  those  assembled, 
and  we  may  not  doubt,  among  the  most  sincere  mourners, 
was  the  venerable  founder  of  the  professorship  the  deceas- 
ed so  long,  and  so  usefully  filled — a  man  whom  Dr.  Porter 
had  regarded  from  his  first  residence  at  Andover,  as  a 
father,  and  whom  he  had  invariably  found  a  judicious, 
faithful,  and  munificent  friend.  A  funeral  discourse  was 
preached  by  Rev.  Dr.  Woods,  from  John  xvii.  4. — I  have 
glorified  th  e  on  the  earth  :  I  have  finished  the  work  which 
thou  gavest  me  to  do.  In  accordance  with  his  wish, 
distinctly  expressed,  his  body  was  interred  in  a  perfectly 
plain  manner  in  the  chapel  cemetery.  Over  the  grave,  a 
beautiful  monument  of  white  marble,  in  the  form  of  an 
obelisk,  has  been  erected  by  the  American  Education 
Society. 

It  may  be  proper  to  add,  in  reference  to  the  nature  of 
Dr.  Porter's  disease,  that  a  post  mortem  examination,  in- 
stituted at  the  request  of  the  attending  physician,  discloaed 


LIFE. 


141 


the  fact,  that  his  lungs  had  to  a  considerable  extent  be- 
come incapable  of  inflation.  One  who  was  present  re- 
marked, "it  is  matter  of  astonishment,  that  with  such  a 
state  of  lungs,  he  could  have  breathed  at  all."  Most  of 
his  friends  were  surprised  at  the  result  of  this  examination ; 
the  more  so,  because  very  distinguished  physicians  in  va- 
rious parts  of  the  country,  had  with  great  unanimity  ex- 
pressed the  belief  that  his  lungs  were  not  the  subject  of 
organic  disease.  Within  the  year  previous  to  his  decease, 
he  wrote  to  his  wife  from  Saratoga  Springs,  that  several 
skillful  physicians  whom  he  there  met,  had  deliberately 
examined  his  case,  with  the  best  facilities  known  to  the 
profession,  for  ascertaining  the  state  of  his  lungs,  and  Ir-d 
unanimously  pronounced  them  sound.  Only  the  autumn 
preceding  his  death,  an  eminent  member  of  the  medical 
profession,  who  had  long  been  familiar  with  his  symptoms, 
carefully  examined  his  case,  and  confidently  expressed  the 
opinion  that  his  lungs  were  not  diseased.  They  were 
irritable,  he  informed  him,  and  might  in  a  course  of  years 
become  locally  affected.  In  the  opinion  of  his  physicians 
Dr.  Porter  was  himself  disposed  to  concur.  It  is  indeed 
surprising,  when  we  look  at  the  result  of  the  post  mortem 
examination,  and  reflect  that  disease  had  doubtless  been 
making  progress  many  successive  years,  that  he  should 
have  held  out  so  long,  and  have  accomplished  so  much. 
His  strict  observance  of  dietetic  rules,  his  peculiar  cau- 
tion respecting  personal  exposure,  which  by  many  of  his 
friends  was  attributed,  if  not  to  whim,  at  least  to  extreme 
solicitude  not  demanded  by  the  actual  state  of  his  health, 
appear  to  have  been  only  a  judicious  conformity  of  his 
habits  to  the  dictates  of  duty;  appear  indeed  to  have  been 
indispensable  to  his  usefulness,  and  even  to  the  continu- 
ance of  his  life  for  a  single  year. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER. 

Intellectual  endowments  happily  proportioned— Effect  of  infirmitieB 

on  his  intellectual  habits— Mental  characteristics  — Eminently 
qualified  to  act  as  umpire  in  cases  of  difficulty — Mode  of  pre- 
paring to  write — Qualities  as  a  writer — Feeling  of  responsibility 
as  a  literary  man— Letter  to  Robert  Hall, 

Single  traits  of  intellect  are  often  so  developed  as  to 
secure  for  their  possessor  the  reputation  of  transcendent 
genius — a  reputation  which  he  easily  retains,  if  called 
only  into  the  sphere  of  action  for  which  he  seems  espe- 
cially formed ;  but  which  he  as  easily  loses  in  any  other 
department  of  exertion.  It  was  not  the  predominance  of 
any  one  intellectual  endowment  which  contributed  chiefly 
to  the  reputation  of  Dr.  Porter.  This  was  the  result 
rather  of  an  harmonious  assemblage  of  those  qualities, 
which  with  judicious  cultivation  most  contribute  to  ex- 
tensive and  permanent  usefulness.  Justice  requires  that 
we  view  his  intellectual  character  as  a  whole,  every  part 
of  which  bears  minute  inspection,  and  is  contemplated 
with  pleasure.  In  attempting  to  delineate  his  intellectual 
developments,  therefore,  the  writer  cannot  hope  for  the 
advantage,  in  such  cases  often  enjoyed,  of  being  able 
to  impart  attractiveness  to  the  portraiture,  by  presenting 


INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER.  143 


certain  features  in  bold  relief.  As  an  offset  to  this 
disadvantage,  however,  it  is  grateful  to  know  that  the 
delineation,  if  just  in  its  proportions  and  coloring,  may 
be  contemplated  with  as  much  profit,  as  if  its  charac- 
teristics were  adapted  to  strike  us  with  awe,  or  overwhelm 
us  with  astonishment. 

During  his  course  of  classical  and  professional  study, 
Dr.  Porter  gave  evidence  of  intellectual  endowments 
which  augured  distinguished  usefulness  in  the  sacred 
calling  to  which  he  was  devoted.  The  correct  habits 
of  his  early  life  were  subsequently  nurtured  and  ma- 
tured. It  ought  to  be  said  however,  that  his  intellectual 
character,  especially  while  resident  at  Andover,  was  very 
much  modified  by  bodily  frailty.  While  in  many  respects 
his  infirmities  were  a  serious  hindrance  to  his  improve- 
ment, they  compelled  him  to  acquire  entire  self-control. 
He  was  obliged  to  gain  the  habit  of  summoning  his 
powers  at  pleasure,  so  as  successfully  to  employ  intervals 
in  study,  or  wholly  to  abandon  the  performance  of  pro- 
fessional duty.  To  the  effect  of  his  infirmities  in  modi- 
fying his  mental  habits,  he  thus  alludes  in  a  letter  to 

Mrs.  Porter.  "  I  have  dismissed  all  thoughts  of  going 

to  Europe,  after  much  reflection,  and  seeking  as  I  trust 

divine  guidance.    Dr.  D          urged  my  going,  especially 

as  the  crossing  the  Atlantic,  he  said,  would  be  '  laying  up 
my  mind  on  the  shelf,'  till  my  body  should  gain  more 
vigor.  I  told  him  that  for  twenty-five  years,  I  had  been 
from  dire  necessity  driven  into  habits  of  self-control,  so 
that  I  wind  up  my  mind  as  I  do  my  watch,  and  except 
when  I  am  sick,  require  it  to  go  or  stop  as  I  please;  and 
that  I  should  long  ago  have  been  in  my  grave,  if  I  had 
been  the  victim  of  every  subject  that  might  happen  to 
harass  my  thoughts.  This,  he  said,  was  a  power  of 
which  he  had  no  conception  from  his  own  experience; 
and  the  reason  that  no  more  men  attain  this  intellectual 


144 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


discipline,  I  presume  is,  that  they  are  happily  exempt 
from  that  pressure  of  necessity  by  which  I  have  been 
schooled  into  it,  to  preserve  my  life,  or  at  least  to  make  it 
of  any  account  as  to  the  ends  of  living." 

Dr.  Porter's  mind  was  characterized  by  comprehen- 
siveness. On  the  presentation  of  a  subject,  he  seemed 
at  once  to  grasp  its  bearings  and  results.  Says  one  of 
his  colleagues,  "  his  power  of  entering  into  subjects,  and 
comjirehending  their  main  points,  was  unusual."  Hence 
his  forecast,  which  rendered  his  judgment  highly  valuable 
respecting  new  plans  of  action,  or  proposed  modifications 
of  plans  already  existing.    Aware  that 

"  We  may  outrun, 
By  violent  swiftness,  tliat  which  we  run  at, 
And  lose  by  over-running," 

Dr.  Porter  was  accustomed  always  to  act  with  circum- 
spection. He  formed  a  definite  idea  of  any  object  he 
would  attain ;  maturely  considered  the  means  of  its  attain- 
ment; and  so  digested  his  mode  of  operation,  that  while 
he  failed  not  through  lack  of  effort,  he  thwarted  not  his 
own  designs  and  disappointed  not  expectation  by  ill-timed 
or  excessive  action. 

With  comprehensiveness,  he  united  quick  and  acute 
discernment.  Whether  in  argument,  character,  or  con- 
duct, he  seemed  to  distinguish  what  was  real  from  mere 
pretence,  as  if  by  intuition.  And  though  he  rarely  allow- 
ed himself  in  passing  judgment  on  the  motives  of  others, 
he  gave  ample  evidence  of  ability  to  do  it  with  much 
correctness.  The  following  catalogue  of  different  sorts 
of  men  may  amuse  the  reader,  and  illustrate  Dr.  Porter's 
habits  of  observation.  To  each  of  the  classes  one  or  more 
names  are  annexed  as  examples  of  the  author's  meaning. 
So  far  as  the  individuals  are  living,  the  names  are  of 
course  omitted. 


INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER.  145 


"Ardent  and  amiable, — advantage  of  this  as  to  impulse, 
often  counteracted  by  trips  in  judgment. 

"Ardent,  and  rash, — heady,  una/niable.   . 

Cool,  steady, — Father  Day.* 

"Judicious,  without  genius,  good  common  sense, — 
Father  Starr. 

"  Judicious,  with  genius.   . 

"  Steady,  discreet,  dry, — Father  Benedict. 

"  Witty ,—Bdickm. 

"  Steady,  sagacious,  patient,  injlcxible, — S.  J.  Mills, 

"  Heavy,  cold.   . 

"  Ambitious,  capricious,  weak.   

"  Public  spirited  men,  who  are  always  willing  to  be  on 
committees ;  but  come  to  identify  themselves  so  much 
with  the  public,  as  to  feel  uneasy  when  burdens  are  put 
on  other  shoulders  than  theirs. 

"  Complaining  men,  whose  happiness  consists  so  much 
in  finding  fault,  that  they  would  not  with  the  same  temper 
live  a  week,  if  put  among  perfect  beings  in  Paradise. 
Something  must  be  wrong  to  suit  their  humor.  If  the 
window  is  down,  it  must  be  up — if  up,  down. 

"Indecisive,  timid,  vascillating  men,  who  never  can 
march  on,  because  some  danger  is  abroad. 

"  Cunning,  calculating  men,  who  aim  at  under-currents, 
and  management;  and  generally  end  with  a  noose  nicely 
adjusted  about  their  own  necks. 

"  Double  minded  men,  who  from  policy  or  politeness  are 
on  both  sides  of  all  great  and  disputed  subjects." 

Dr.  Porter's  mind  was  vigorous  and  active.  It  is  doubt- 
less true,  as  remarked  in  a  judicious  sketch  of  his  charac- 
ter in  the  Quarterly  Register,  that  "  in  power  of  profound 
investigation  on  abstruse  subjects,  he  was  excelled  by  some 
other  men."    Of  this  he  was  himself  aware.    Yet  there 


•  The  father  of  President  Day. 
13 


146 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


was  no  deficiency  of  mental  vigor.  "  He  mastered,"  con- 
tinues the  writer  just  quoted,  "  whatever  he  undertook." 

Among  his  intellectual  faculties,  reason  always  presided. 
He  was  thus  guarded  against  those  influences  of  self-inter- 
est, of  sympathy,  and  of  caprice,  which  often  greatly  affect, 
and  sometimes  shape  the  decisions  of  men.  Whether 
acting  with  reference  to  himself  or  others,  he  spontaneous- 
ly recognized  the  principles  of  right,  and  cheerfully  con- 
formed his  conduct  to  them.  Few  persons  probably  have 
been  capable  of  forming  a  more  impartial  estimate  of  the 
talents  and  reasoning  of  men  whose  sentiments  differed 
widely  from  their  own.  With  a  mind  thus  constituted. 
Dr.  Porter  was  eminently  qualified  to  act  as  umpire  in 
cases  in  which  were  involved  conflicting  interests.  His 
conclusions  in  such  cases,  being  the  obvious  deductions  of 
impartiality  from  facts  developed,  were  ordinarily  received 
with  favor  by  those  who  were  willing  to  yield  to  the  dic- 
tates of  justice.  The  results  of  his  deliberations  would 
bear  the  strictest  scrutiny.  "  If  one  wanted  an  opinion, 
that  would  be  likely  to  abide  the  test  of  events,"  says  one 
of  his  colleagues,  "  of  all  the  men  whom  I  have  known, 
he  was  peculiarly  the  man  to  give  such  an  opinion,  on  all 
subjects  with  which  he  was  acquainted.  The  secret  of 
this  was  the  consultation  of  sober  reason,  and  the  refusal 
to  be  dictated  by  mere  sympathies."  "  It  was  by  no  means 
uncommon,"  says  another  of  his  colleagues,  "  for  those 
who  were  associated  with  him  in  important  public  transac- 
tions, to  distrust  their  own  opinion,  as  soon  as  they  found 
it  different  from  his."  The  same  endowments  which 
rendered  him  singularly  discreet  and  safe  as  a  counselor, 
rendered  him  judicious  and  acceptable  as  a  reprover. 

The  self-control  which  Dr.  Porter  acquired  from  the 
discipline  to  which  he  subjected  his  intellectual  powers, 
he  made  essentially  serviceable  in  preparing  for  his  writ- 


mTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER.  147 


ten  performances.  It  was  his  practice  before  lie  com- 
menced writing  on  any  subject,  fully  to  collect  and  digest 
his  materials.  In  doing  this  he  made  free  use  of  his  pen, 
often  sketching  his  trains  of  thought  so  minutely  as  to  em- 
brace almost  every  idea  he  wished  to  express.  He  was 
consequently  enabled  to  prosecute  his  writing  when  ready 
to  commence  it,  with  much  facility  and  despatch  ;  and 
often  to  present  the  first  draught  with  a  degree  of  com- 
pleteness, both  as  to  thought  and  diction,  which  rendered 
revision  a  light  labor- — a  remark  especially  true  of  his 
later  performances.  To  this  practice  of  premeditation, 
we  ought  doubtless  to  attribute  not  only  much  of  the 
method  and  perspicuity  which  characterise  his  trains  of 
reasoning,  but  much  also  of  the  unusual  simplicity  and 
elegance  of  his  style.  These  latter  qualities  of  composi- 
tion are  often,  indeed,  supposed  to  be  the  result  of  extreme 
labor  in  revision.  That  they  are  frequently  and  perhaps 
generally  so,  may  be  true  ;  but  from  ample  opportunity  to 
inspect  the  manuscripts  of  Dr.  Porter,  the  writer  is  con- 
vinced that  these  qualities  in  his  composition,  were  at 
least  in  an  equal  degree,  the  result  of  the  practice  above 
alluded  to,  in  connection  with  his  innate  power  of  nice 
discrimination.  In  those  cases  where  he  thought  it  neces- 
sary to  amend  his  written  performances,  the  amendments 
far  more  frequently  respect  the  sentiment  than  the  expres- 
sion. To  simplicity  and  elegance,  he  united  precision  in 
the  use  of  words,  attained  by  an  extensive  acquaintance 
with  the  best  models  of  composition,  and  a  minute  obser- 
vation of  the  power  of  language.  His  style  is  also  char- 
acterised by  vivacity,  and  often  by  strength.  But  its  most 
prominent  characteristic  is  purity.  His  words  not  only 
belong  to  our  language,  but  they  are  conformed  to  its 
idiom  ;  and  to  the  standard  of  established  usage. 

The  cultivation  of  style  Dr.  Porter  was  of  course  oblig- 
ed in  his  official  capacity,  to  make  a  subject  of  study. 


148 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


And  to  personal  improvement  in  this  matter,  he  doubtless 
was  urged  to  some  extent  by  official  considerations ;  but 
more,  we  may  believe,  by  a  desire  to  prevent  the  encroach- 
ments upon  his  native  tongue,  of  curiosity,  of  pedantry, 
of  caprice,  and  other  causes  which  operate  to  vitiate  a 
language.  His  sentences  were  uniformly  well  arranged, 
perspicuous,  and  harmonious ;  and  in  the  whole  structurie 
of  his  written  performances,  there  was  an  obvious  con- 
formity to  the  rhetorical  canons  he  had  occasion  to  urge 
upon  others.  Says  the  writer  of  the  sketch  of  Dr.  Porter's 
character,  in  the  Quarterly  Register,  already  alluded  to, 
"  So  far  as  the  nice  balance  of  sentences,  the  harmonious 
collocation  of  them,  and  the  selection  of  apt  and  beautiful 
words  are  concerned,  he  was  rarely  ever  excelled.  There 
was  no  heterogeneous  agglomeration  of  epithets  or  of  sen- 
tences, no  verbiage,  no  confusion  of  metaphors.  Every 
thing  was  distinct,  clear,  finished.  We  have  the  same 
associations  respecting  the  perfection  of  his  style,  which  we 
have  with  that  of  Professor  Playfair,  Thomas  Campbell, 
and  Professor  Frisbie.  His  words  fell  on  the  ear  like  the 
music  of  Handel.  In  his  best  discourses,  the  extreme 
polish  was  not  apparent.  The  order  was  so  logical,  and 
the  sentences  were  so  accurately  adjusted,  that  we  never 
thought  of  the  indefatigable  attention  which  had  been  be- 
stowed on  them.  The  sentiment  was  so  clearly  and  pre- 
cisely expressed,  as  to  occupy  the  whole  attention  of  the 
hearer.    It  found  a  lodgment  in  the  inmost  soul." 

Dr.  Porter's  imagination  was  more  chaste  than  lively. 
Yet  passages  exist,  especially  in  his  sermons,  which  ex- 
hibit much  power  in  moral  painting.  Whatever  picture 
his  fancy  delineated  was  justly  proportioned,  and  correctly 
colored.  His  figures  were  natural,  appropriate,  expres- 
sive, and  often  striking.  His  illustrations  were  marked  by 
originality,  and  were  employed  with  powerful  effect.  Few 
men,  indeed,  have  been  able  to  impress  a  truth  on  others 


INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER.  149 


more  forcibly,  by  the  use  of  apposite  and  striking  illustra- 
tion. His  appeals  to  the  conscience,  were  simple,  direct, 
and  pungent ;  and  though  by  the  blessing  of  God,  they 
often  reached  the  heart,  and  caused  the  sinner  to  tremble, 
they  were  so  free  from  asperity,  and  so  clearly  dictiited  by 
benevolence,  as  never  to  inflict  a  wound  on  the  most  deli- 
cate sensibility. 

A  reference  to  almost  any  page  of  Dr.  Porter's  later 
publications,  especially  those  relating  to  the  department 
of  sacred  rhetoric,  will  show  the  reader  that  he  was  ac- 
customed, with  much  minuteness,  to  designate  emphatic 
word.*,  in  preparing  his  writings  for  the  press.  In  carry- 
ing this  notation  so  far,  he  deviated  from  common  usage  ; 
yet  with  obvious  advantage,  if  not  to  every  reader,  at  least 
to  those  who  are  called  to  read  aloud  for  the  gratification 
of  others, 

Dr.  Porter  felt  deeply  the  responsibility  of  the  relation, 
which,  in  common  with  other  literary  men,  he  sustained 
to  the  republic  of  letters.  From  this  responsibility  he 
plead  no  exemption  on  the  ground  of  nmltiplied  official 
engagements,  or  bodily  infirmities.  Whatever  of  personal 
or  of  professional  influence  he  could  exert  to  chasten  and 
elevate  literary  taste,  to  improve  our  language,  in  a  word 
to  enrich  and  adorn  our  national  literature,  he  felt  himself 
imperiously  bound  to  exert.  To  this  feeling  ought  to  be 
attributed  much  of  the  peculiar  concern  he  ever  manifest- 
ed, that  his  diction,  his  style,  the  whole  character  of  his 
literary  performances,  should  be  unexceptionable.  He 
lamented  the  lack  of  "  literary  patriotism"  manifested  by 
many  of  our  professed  scholars.  From  sundry  documents 
among  his  papers,  it  would  seem  that  there  was  a  period 
when  he  ardently  desired  that  a  permanent  association  of 
the  officers  of  our  literary  institutions  might  be  formed,  to 
meet  statedly,  for  the  discussion  and  adc^tion  of  measuress 
13* 


150 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER, 


connected  with  the  liighest  literary  interests  of  the  coun- 
try. The  ground  of  this  desire  was  the  expectation  that 
such  a  convention  would  tend  to  benefit  primary  schools, 
to  elevate  and  render  uniform  the  standard  of  literary  and 
professional  education  ;  especially  that  it  would  tend  to 
preserve  our  language  from  innovation  both  in  respect  to 
its  structure  and  pronunciation.  A  convention  was  called, 
indeed,  in  1818,  when  an  association  was  organized,  and 
subjects  were  assigned  to  several  individuals,  upon  which 
they  were  expected  to  present  dissertations  at  the  next 
annual  meeting.  Dr.  Porter  was  requested  to  prepare  a 
dissertation  on  the  "  Pronunciation  of  the  English  Lan- 
guage." In  pursuance  of  his  appointment  he  addressed 
the  following  letter  to  the  Rev.  Robert  Hall. 

"  Reverend  and  respected  Sir, 

"  In  a  recent  letter  from  my  friend  Mr.  Lord  of  New 
York,  he  informs  me  that  while  in  England,  he  had  the 
pleasure  of  an  interview  with  you ;  and  that  he  took  the 
liberty  of  proposing  an  occasional  exchange  of  letters  be- 
tween you  and  myself  This  proposal  is  highly  satisfac- 
tory to  me,  though  indeed  I  liave  felt  some  uneasiness 
from  the  apprehension  that  your  politeness  may  have  as- 
sented to  it  at  the  expense  of  your  convenience  ;  especial- 
ly as  Mr.  Lord  says  your  health  is  quite  imperfect. 

"  The  truth  is,  that  while  my  time  and  strength  are  in- 
adequate to  my  present  engagements,  there  are  reasons 
why  I  deem  it  important  to  have  direct  access  to  the  best 
sources  of  information  on  your  side  of  the  Atlantic,  res- 
pecting certain  subjects  in  which  I  am  interested.  That 
I  may  not  oppress  you  too  much  at  the  thrcshhold,  I  will 
mention  but  one  of  these  subjects  now,  not  because  it  de- 
serves priority  for  its  intrinsic  weight,  but  because  it  hap- 
pens to  be  urgent  at  this  time. 

"  To  make  myself  intelligible  will  require  some  preface. 


INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER. 


151 


The  students  of  the  theological  seminary  with  which  I 
am  connected,  and  the  constitution  of  which  Mr.  Lord  put 
into  your  hands,  are  graduates  from  eleven  different  col- 
leges in  the  United  States.  These  colleges  were  gener- 
ally established  on  Christian  principles,  and  all  but  two 
are  under  Evangelical  influence.  Some  of  them  are  hand- 
somely endowed,  and  furnished  with  able  professors,  and 
with  other  means  of  giving  to  the  students  a  liberal  educa- 
tion. In  several  of  them,  I  presume  the  classical  course 
is  such  as  would  be  thought  very  respectable  in  the  Brit- 
ish Universities.  But  our  institutions  are  comparatively 
in  their  infancy.  Only  two  of  our  colleges,  Harvard  and 
Yale,  are  a  century  old,  and  most  of  the  others  are  of  re- 
cent origin.  Between  these  seminaries,  many  of  them 
hundreds  of  miles  distant  from  others,  there  has  heretofore 
been  almost  no  intercourse.  That  their  requisitions  for 
the  admission  of  students,  and  their  classical  pursuits  gen- 
erally, were  very  various,  and  in  some  cases  very  defec- 
tive, could  not  fail  to  be  perceived  by  us,  in  receiving  the 
graduates  of  all.  For  several  years  I  have  contemplated 
as  a  desirable  event,  a  meeting  of  the  heads  of  these  col- 
leges, with  a  view  to  raise  the  standard  of  American  litera- 
ture ;  and  the  last  spring  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  such 
a  convention  formed  in  Boston,  on  the  plan  of  a  perma- 
nent, annual  meeting,  which  promises  much  utility.  The 
immediate  objects  of  attention  will  be  to  raise  our  primary 
schools  to  a  higher  literary  character,  to  increase  the 
attainments  requisite  for  admission  of  students  into  the 
colleges,  to  produce  a  more  uniform  orthography  of  the 
learned  languages,  and  of  the  English  ;  and  better  edi- 
tions of  the  classics. 

"  With  reference  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  conven- 
tion, I  wish,  through  the  aid  of  some  English  friend,  to 
gain  some  information  respecting  the  established  proinin- 


152 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


ciation  of  the  English  language,  in  Great  Britain.  As 
far  as  the  pulpit  is  concerned,  this  subject,  though  not  of 
primary  interest,  is  still  of  some  importance.  Since  the 
publication  of  Sheridan's  Dictionary,  and  afterwards  of 
Walker's,  the  diversity  of  pronunciation  among  our  preach- 
ers has  been  so  great  as  to  render  what  is  reputable  in  one 
State  or  district,  jieculiar  in  another.  The  body  of  com- 
mon people,  and  of  the  educated  too,  in  New-England, 
still  cleave  to  the  habits  of  the  last  century,  with  a  partial 
conformity  to  Walker  ;  while  a  few  have  gone  into  ex- 
tremes of  innovation.  Perhaps  the  best  general  rule  for 
a  preacher  on  this  subject  is  so  to  speak  that  his  manner 
shall  not  divert  the  attention  of  the  hearers  from  his  mat- 
ter. On  Christian  as  well  as  national  principles,  a  greater 
uniformity,  than  at  present  exists  among  us,  is  desirable. 

"Now  Sir,  though  I  think  it  incumbent  on  our  youth  to 
study  the  great  models  of  English  style,  especially  till  we 
shall  have  produced  Miltons  and  Addisons  of  our  own,  I 
can  by  no  means  think  it  becoming  in  a  Christian  minis- 
ter to  speak  so  as  to  be  a  barbarian  at  home,  from  a  fan- 
cied or  real  conformity  to  the  usages  of  a  London  theatre. 
Still  it  would  seem  to  be  both  important  and  practicable 
that  the  great  family  who  speak  the  English  tongue, 
should  speak  it  with  a  good  degree  of  uniformity. 

"  With  these  views,  I  wish  to  know  what  general  chan- 
ges there  have  been  on  your  side,  in  English  pronuncia- 
tion, within  the  last  fifty  years.  What  is  the  best  standard 
at  present,  and  to  what  extent  adopted  by  respectable  men, 
especially  in  the  pulpit.  I  am  aware  that  to  answer  inqui- 
ries of  so  general  a  nature,  and  on  such  a  subject,  may  be 
unpleasant  to  you ;  but  in  that  case,  I  hope  you  will  have 
the  goodness  to  name  some  gentleman  to  whom  I  may 
apply  for  the  requisite  information.  Or  should  it  be  con- 
venient for  you  to  make  the  request  of  some  one,  in  my 


INTELLECTUAL  CHARACTER. 


153 


behalf,  it  would  still  more  oblige  me.  The  purpose  for 
which  I  need  such  a  communication  requires  that  I  should 
receive  it,  if  possible,  by  January  next;  as  the  subject  is 
to  undergo  a  regular  discussion  in  our  next  literary  con- 
gress. 

"  It  would  give  me  great  satisfaction  to  know  more  than 
I  do  respecting  the  Dissenting  churches  of  your  country  ; 
particularly,  the  qualifications  for  individual  membership; 
what  bond  of  union  exists  among  churches  or  ministers  ; 
in  what  manner  and  by  whom  young  men  are  authorised 
to  preach  before  ordination  ;  where  are  the  principal  sem- 
inaries, literary  and  theological ;  their  endowments,  libra- 
ries, number  of  instructors,  course  and  period  of  study. 
What  proportion  of  the  Dissenters  are  Unitarians,  and 
what  proportion  Calvinists  ? 

"  Any  information  which  you  may  at  any  time  find  it 
convenient  to  give  me  respecting  any  one,  or  all  of  these 
particulars,  will  confer  on  me  a  favor. 

"  Any  things  in  our  humble  style  of  authorship,  which 
you  would  have  the  curiosity  to  read,  I  shall  be  happy  to 
forward,  if  you  will  designate  any  one  at  Liverpool  or  else- 
where, to  whom  they  shall  be  consigned.  I  could  send, 
for  example,  if  you  have  not  seen  them.  Dr.  Trumbull's 
History  of  Connecticut.  Allen's  American  Biographical 
Dictionary,  and  several  volumes  of  the  Panoplist,  and 
Missionary  Magazine. 

"  Our  elegant  new  Chapel,  erected  by  the  munificence 
of  William  Bartlet,  Esq.,  was  dedicated  to  God  last  week. 
I  will  send  the  sermon,  and  a  catalogue  of  the  seminary, 
when  I  shall  have  received  your  direction  as  to  the 
medium  of  conveyance. 

"If  the  aspect  of  this  letter  should  not  be  repulsive  to 
your  feelings,  I  shall  hope  to  receive  an  answer,  as  soon  as 
may  be  consistent  with  your  convenience.    At  the  same 


154  MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 

time  I  cannot  expect  nor  desire,  that  the  claims  of  a  new 
correspondent  should  supersede  your  more  important  en- 
gagements. 

"  With  great  respect  for  your  character,  permit  me, 
Reverend  and  dear  Sir,  to  subscribe  myself  your  friend 
and  brother  in  the  holy  ministry, 

"  E.  Porter." 

"  The  Rev.  Robert  Hall." 


CHAPTER  XTL 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 

Remarks— Reason  why  Dr.  Porter  kept  no  diary — Resolutions — 
Means  of  growth  in  piety— Systematic  in  cultivating  spiritual 
feelings — Characteristics  of  his  piety — Faithfulness  in  discharg- 
ing duty;  illustrations  —  Qualifications  as  a  counselor  and 
reprover — Letter — Susceptibility  of  enjoyment  heightened  by 
piety — Testimony  of  his  colleagues — Concluding  remarks. 

The  most  impressive  exhibition  of  Christian  character 
is  that  wliich  is  furnished  by  the  conduct,  in  the  various 
relations  and  circumstances  of  life.  The  heart  which  is 
unaffected  by  the  precepts  of  Christ,  is  often  moved  by 
contemplating  the  traits  of  his  character  manifested  in  his 
intercourse  with  men  ; — liis  obedience,  in  yielding  to  the 
claims  of  parental  authority,  and  of  the  divine  law;  his 
benevolence,  in  labor  and  sacrifice  for  the  good  of  his 
enemies ;  his  zeal,  in  overcoming  obstacles  interposed  by 
indolence  and  depravity ;  his  faithfulness,  in  pointedly 
reproving  sin  ;  his  devotional  spirit,  in  frequent  seasons  of 
communion  with  God  ;  his  faith,  in  unwavering  confidence 
in  the  divine  promises  and  government ;  his  humility,  in 
not  seeking  great  things  for  himself ;  his  forgiveness,  in 
freely  remitting  the  transgressions  of  the  penitent  offender; 
his  meekness,  in  mildly  bearing  insult  and  abuse;  his 
sympathy,  in  ministering  to  the  distressed  ;  his  frugality, 


156 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


in  the  use  of  the  comforts  of  life ;  his  prudence,  in  avoid- 
ing needless  collision  with  ignorance  and  prejudice ;  his 
discretion,  in  the  peculiar  appositeness  of  his  admonitions, 
counsels,  and  encouragements;  his  self-control,  in  repress- 
ing anger  and  other  sinful  feelings ;  his  holiness,  in 
irreproachable  demeanor  ;  his  entire  devotedness,  in  a 
uniform  concentration  of  his  energies  on  the  single  object 
of  glorifying  his  Father  in  the  salvation  of  souls.  For  the 
same  reason  that  these  traits  of  character  in  our  Saviour 
were  peculiarly  impressive,  their  likeness  is  so  in  his 
followers.  There  is  no  hazard,  then,  in  saying  that  no 
exhibition  of  Christian  character  is  so  instructive  as  that 
which  is  manifest  in  the  daily  deportment.  It  produces 
conviction  where  reason  and  argument  have  spent  their 
strength  in  vain.  Still  it  is  often  gratifying  to  be  made 
acquainted  with  the  feelings  of  those,  whose  Christian 
course  has  been  distinguished  for  activity,  consistency, 
and  usefulness.  It  is  indeed  commonly  expected  that  the 
biographer  of  such  an  individual,  will  be  able,  from  the 
record  of  private  exercises,  to  inform  his  readers  what  was 
the  daily  course  of  discipline  to  which  that  individual 
subjected  his  heart,  and  what  were  his  peculiar  spiritual 
trials  and  conquests.  To  many  it  may  seem  matter  both 
of  surprise  and  regret,  that  no  record  of  this  kind  has  been 
left  by  Dr.  Porter,  and  that  comparatively  little  illustrative 
of  his  religious  feelings  can  be  gathered  from  his  manu- 
scripts. This  is  true  even  of  his  familiar  letters.  Though 
they  were  always  serious,  and  full  of  interest  to  those  to 
whom  they  were  addressed,  they  contain  but  infrequent 
and  brief  allusions  to  his  own  spiritual  exercises.  His 
journals,  while  absent,  were  mere  memoranda  kept  for  the 
gratification  of  Mrs.  Porter,  and  for  the  most  part,  confined 
to  the  narration  of  incidents  which  she  would  be  interested 
to  know,  but  which  could  not  be  conveniently  mentioned 
in  his  letters.    Yet  the  fact  that  we  arc  left  to  infer  his 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


157 


Christian  character  chiefly  from  his  daily  deportment, 
must  not  be  attributed  to  apathy,  or  carelessness,  or  indo- 
lence. The  reasons  are  distinctly  stated  by  himself.  To 
Mrs.  Porter,  some  three  or  four  years  before  his  death,  he 
thus  writes : — 

"  In  the  letters  which  I  have  written  to  you,  my  dear 
wife,  during  the  protracted  and  painful  separation  which 
I  hope  is  now  drawing  to  a  close,  probably  you  may  have 
thought  it  strange,  that  I  have  so  seldom  alluded  to  my 
own  religious  enjoyments  or  trials.  You  are  entitled  to  a 
brief  explanation  from  me  on  this  subject. 

"  If  I  had  any  experimental  knowledge  of  religion  during 
my  college  life,  it  was  not  as  I  now  believe,  till  the  latter 
part  of  it.  I  had,  indeed,  a  hope  from  the  age  of  twelve, 
but  it  was  faint  for  several  years,  and  I  think  was  ground- 
less. A  sickness  in  my  third  summer  at  college,  I  recall 
as  the  probable  instrument,  under  God,  of  my  first  thorough 
religious  exercises. 

"  When  I  was  a  theological  student,  I  kept  a  diary,  in 
which  I  noted  various  things  respecting  the  spiritual  con- 
dition of  my  heart ;  and  this  brief  journal  I  continued 
through  my  candidate  life,  and  in  the  early  stages  of  my 
ministry.  But  all  these  papers  I  destroyed  long  ago ;  and 
for  many  years  past  I  have  not  attempted  any  thing  of  the 
kind  in  regular  form.  The  truth  is  that  the  multiplication, 
and  the  'mdlscrcet  puhlication  of  religious  private  journals, 
gradually  gave  me  a  distaste  for  compositions  of  this  sort. 
Their  object  avowedly  is,  either  the  benefit  of  the  writer, 
or  that  of  others.  As  to  myself,  the  exercises  of  my  own 
mind,  that  are  sufficiently  pleasant  or  painful  to  be  the 
subject  of  record,  I  can  and  must  remember  without  any 
such  help.  The  habits  of  my  mind,  not  occasional  frames 
and  emotions,  constitute  my  spiritual  character  ;  and  these 
I  cannot  forget  while  my  consciousness  and  memory 
14 


158 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


remain.  Certain  solemn  resolutions  of  my  own,  made 
when  my  heart  has  been  most  awakened  and  strengthened 
by  communion  with  God,  I  have  found  it  useful  to  write, 
that  I  might  read  them  often.  But  to  write  all  that  passes 
in  my  mind,  for  my  own  subsequent  perusal,  would  be  little 
short  of  downright  trifling. 

"  If  the  benefit  of  others  is  the  object  of  a  private  journal, 
then  it  seems  to  me  a  case  of  no  small  delicacy,  for  an 
individual  to  presume  that  a  disclosure  of  what  passes  in 
his  own  bosom,  will  be  important  to  his  fellow  men.  That 
disclosure  does  not  profess  to  be  complete — it  cannot  pre- 
tend to  this.  Does  it  then,  exhibit  the  best  or  worst  traits 
of  the  heart,  or  both  in  due  proportion?  Who  can  promise 
impartiality  in  adjusting  these  proportions,  when  self-love 
on  one  hand,  or  morbid  melancholy  on  the  other,  holds  the 
balance  ? 

"  Besides,  however  it  may  be  with  others,  I  cannot  trust 
my  heart  in  detailing  its  own  secret  exercises,  with  a  view 
to  their  publication.  I  can  preach  to  myself  in  my  closet, 
with  a  fidelity  and  impartiality,  that  would  probably  be 
much  impaired  by  the  expectation  that  the  sermon  to 
myself  will  be  published.  The  circumstances  of  Brainerd, 
and  Martyn,  and  Samuel  Pearce,  form  an  exception  to 
general  rules  :  and  I  would  not  willingly  forego  the  benefit 
which  I  have  derived  from  the  journals  of  these  holy 
men."* 

In  a  journal  of  earlier  date,  we  find  the  following  brief 
allusion  to  the  same  subject. — "  A  false  taste  prevails  in 
the  religious  journals,  especially  of  females,  a  species  of 
composition,  which,  encouraged  by  a  few  examples  of  rare 
excellence,  has  swelled  in  modern  times  to  a  tedious 
excess.    The  writing  of  private  exercises  for  public  inspec- 


•  For  some  valuable  remarks  on  the  subject  of  this  letter,  see 
"  Spirit  of  the  Pilgrims,"  vol.  iv.  p.  428. 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


159 


lion,  is  a  work  in  which  few  are  qualified  to  f  ngage ;  and 
where  it  is  done,  I  fear  the  record  will  not  often  corres- 
pond with  the  record  of  omniscience.  Any  appearance  of 
ostentation  on  this  subject  is  so  repugnant  to  my  feelings, 
that  I  have  abstained  from  this  species  of  composition 
even  for  my  own  improvement ;  lest  some  partial  friend 
should  hereafter  expose  to  the  public  eye,  what  should 
have  been  confined  to  my  own  bosom."  Referring  to  a 
lady  in  connection  with  these  remarks,  he  writes  : — "  In 
the  devotional  parts  of  her  diary  which  she  read  to  me,  I 
observed  such  phrases  as  '  sweet  Jesus,'  '  resting  on  his 
sweet  bosom,'  '  talking  with  Jesus,'  &.c. — which  to  say  the 
least,  seems  to  rae,  a.  false  religious  taste.  The  apostles 
themselves  never  approached  their  Master  with  such 
'  fondling  epithets.'  The  longer  I  live,  the  more  I  esti- 
mate a  Christian  by  his  hvmility."  The  reader  may  find 
similar  sentiments  in  Dr.  Porter's  sermon  on  "  The  Signs 
of  the  Times,"  p.  20. 

The  incidental  mention  of  his  early  religious  exercises 
in  the  letter  above  quoted,  furnishes  the  only  information 
on  that  subject  to  be  found  among  his  papers ;  the  only 
information,  indeed,  to  be  obtained,  except  what  is  fur- 
nished by  the  following  sentences  from  the  preface  to  his 
abridgment  of  Owen  on  Spiritual  Mindedness.  "  In  the 
family  of  my  father,  under  whose  Christian  influence  it 
was  the  merciful  allotment  of  Providence,  that  my  child- 
hood should  be  spent,  there  was  a  small  library  consisting 
mostly  of  religious  books.  Those  not  strictly  religious, 
were  yet  of  useful  tendency  ;  so  that  until  the  age  of 
twelve  years,  when  my  academical  education  began,  I  had 
never  seen  a  single  had  book.  In  this  little  paternal 
library  was  Baxter's  Saint's  Rest,  the  reading  of  which, 
on  account  of  its  simplicity,  its  rhetorical  vivacity,  its 
Christian  fervor  and  pungency,  made  an  indelible  impres- 


160 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


sion  on  my  mind.  This  impression  probably  had  more 
efficacy  in  the  formation  of  my  subsequent  intellectual  and 
moral  habits,  than  any  other  means  except  parental 
influence." 

From  the  commencement  of  his  Christian  course,  his 
consecration  to  the  service  of  God  appears  to  have  been 
entire.  To  what  extent  religious  principle  modified  his 
actions  in  the  discliarge  both  of  secular  and  religious 
duties,  the  reader  may  judge  from  the  following  resolutions, 
which  are  without  date,  and  were  obviously  written  at 
different  times  ;  probably,  as  intimated  in  the  foregoing 
letter  to  Mrs.  Porter,  at  times  when  the  spiritual  feelings 
of  their  author  were  "  most  awakened  and  strengthened 
by  communion  with  God." 

"  I.  The  care  of  my  heart. 

"1.  I  will  endeavor  to  keep  the  Sabbath  holy.  I  will 
avoid  conversation  on  worldly  topics,  and  will  not  allow 
myself  to  think  on  any  matter  of  common  business,  nor  to 
read  literary  or  professional  books  on  this  holy  day. 

"  2.  Special  hindrances  excepted,  I  will  endeavor  to 
maintain  secret  devotion  statedly,  at  least  twice  a  day. 

"3.  I  will  recollect  every  day  that  I  am  mortal. 

"4.  When  any  doubtful  thing  is  to  be  done,  I  will  ask 
myself, '  How  will  it  bear  the  eye  of  God's  omniscience? — 
liow  will  it  appear  at  the  judgment?' 

"o.  I  will  endeavor  to  repress  all  undue  regard  to  the 
praise  or  censure  of  men,  by  recollecting  that  God  is  a 
witness  of  all  that  I  do  or  think. 

"  6.  I  will  guard  against  selfishness  as  the  '  abominable 
thing  which  the  Lord  hates.'  When  I  detect  myself  in 
being  especially  pleased  with  a  good  action,  because  it  is 
done  by  myself;  or  done  by  another  through  my  advice, 
I  will  condemn  the  littleness  of  such  feelings  as  below  the 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


161 


dignity  of  Christian  principles.  In  all  such  cases,  I  will 
not  speak  of  myself  without  some  obvious  reason ;  first, 
because  it  may  cherish  pride ;  and  secondly,  because  it 
may  exhibit  the  appearance  of  pride  to  others. 

"  7.  I  will  consider  myself  as  sacredly  accountable  to 
God  for  my  improvement  of  the  influence  attached  to  my 
station ;  and  will  endeavor  to  distinguish  betwixt  the 
respect  which  is  given  to  my  office,  and  that  which  would 
in  other  circumstances  be  given  to  myself. 

"  II.  Care  of  my  tongue. 

"  1.  When  I  am  angry  I  will  never  speak,  till  I  have 
taken  at  least  as  much  time  for  reflection  as  Athenodorus 
prescribed  to  Ca-sar.* 

"  2.  I  will  never  talk  to  an  angry  man. 

"3.  I  will  not  talk  to  a  man  intoxicated  with  strong 
drink. 

"  4.  I  will  receive  admonition  from  my  friends  with 
candor  and  thankfulness;  and  will  be  careful  not  to  make 
a  peevish  reply  to  any  one  who  gives  me  advice,  though  it 
be  officious  or  even  impertinent. 

"5.  That  I  may  be  kept  from  speaking  amiss  of  my 
Christian  brethren,  I  will  prai/  for  them. 

"  6.  With  the  exception  of  cases  in  which  Christian 
prudence  requires  secresy,  I  will  consider  it  sinful  to 
say  any  thing  of  others  privately,  which  I  would  not  say 
openly.  In  general,  I  will  deal  in  secrets  as  little  as 
possible. 

"  7.  I  will  not  mention  the  fault  of  another,  when  I 
have  not  good  reason  to  hope  that  some  valuable  end  will 
be  answered  by  my  doing  so. 

*  This  prescription  was, — "Always  repeat  the  twenty-four  letters 
of  the  Greek  alphabet  before  you  give  way  to  the  impulse  of  anger." 
A  prescription  still  more  worthy,  than  that  of  the  heathen  philoso- 
pher, to  be  remembered,  is — "  When  in  anger,  repeat  the  Loid'« 
Prayer  before  you  give  utterance  to  your  feelings." 
14  • 


162 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  III.  Self-examination. 

"  I  will  regard  the  Bible  as  the  only  infallible  test  of 
character.  With  this  in  my  hands,  if  I  am  deceived  as 
to  my  spiritual  state,  it  is  my  own  fault. 

"  I  am  satisfied  that  one  great  reason  why  so  many  real 
Christians  live  doubting,  and  die  trembling,  is  the  neglect 
of  self-examination. 

"  1.  I  will  beware  of  relying  upon  official  religion.  I 
will  never  take  it  for  granted  that  I  am  a  Christian  be- 
cause others  consider  me  so ;  nor  because  my  profession 
or  station  require  that  I  should  be  a  Christian. 

"2.  In  judging  of  myself,  I  will  make  due  allowance 
for  the  restraints  I  have  been  under  from  early  education 
— from  dear  Christian  friends,  and  from  regard  to  public 
opinion ;  and  will  never  ascribe  to  Christian  principles 
the  absence  of  faults  which  I  am  under  no  temptation  to 
commit. 

"3.  In  any  doubtful  case,  where  good  and  bad  motives 
are  mingled  as  excitements  to  action,  I  will  not  conclude 
that  the  good  motives  influence  me,  without  the  most 
serious  scrutiny. 

"4.  I  will  watch  my  heart  under  affliction.  As  the 
severest  strokes  that  I  have  felt  hitherto,  have  been  my 
greatest  mercies,  I  will  not,  like  the  perverse  child  that 
attempts  to  resist  or  escape  correction,  try  to  break  away 
from  the  rod  of  my  heavenly  Father ;  but  will  give  him 
my  hand  and  beg  him  to  repeat  his  strokes,  when  he  sees 
it  necessary  to  purify  my  soul  from  sin. 

"IV.  Studies. 

"1.  I  will  read  no  book  without  the  expectation  of 
real  benefit; — and  will  consider  that  as  lost  time  which 
is  spent  in  reading  without  attention  and  rijlection. 

"  2.  I  will  never  covet  the  reputation  of  knowing  every 
thing. 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


163 


"  3.  I  will  never  speak  confidently  when  I  am  in  doubt, 
nor  scruple  to  say  that  I  am  ignorant,  when  I  am  so. 

"  4.  Having  suffered  severely  by  late  studies  at  night, 
I  will  never  pursue  any  serious  study  after  10  o'clock  in 
the  evening. 

"  5.  I  will  not  read  any  book  which  I  should  be  un- 
willing to  have  it  knoicn  that  I  have  read ;  or  the  reading 
of  which  I  shall  probably  recollect  with  regret  on  my 
dying  bed. 

"6.  Since  my  time  for  study  is  so  much  restricted  by 
frail  health  and  various  engagements,  I  will  consider  it  as 
a  sacred  duty  to  spend  no  time  in  the  attitude  of  study, 
without  direct  and  vigorous  application  of  my  mind  to 
some  important  subject. 

"  7.  I  will  not  hold  myself  at  liberty  to  neglect  duties 
that  are  plainly  devolved  upon  me  by  the  providence  of 
God,  even  though  these  duties  debar  me  from  studies 
which  I  earnestly  wish  to  pursue, 

"  V.  Prepar.IlTion  for  death. 

"1.  When  I  awake  to  the  light  of  a  new  day,  I  will 
endeavor  to  ask  myself,  each  morning,  '  Could  I  know 
this  to  be  my  last  day  on  earth,  what  duty  that  I  have 
neglected  ought  to  be  performed  ? ' 

"2.  That  I  may  not  be  surprised  by  death,  I  will 
endeavor  to  carry  with  me  the  habitual  recollection,  that 
it  may  come  at  any  moment. 

"  3.  I  will  often  reflect  that  this  life  is  only  preparatory 
to  eternity ;  and  that  He  who  stationed  me  here,  knows 
how  and  when  to  call  me  away. 

"4.  As  my  comfort  in  death  must  depend  on  my  hope 
of  heaven,  I  will  often  examine  this  hope ;  because  if  I 
have  good  reason  to  believe  that  I  shall  live  with  Christ 
in  glory,  I  shall  have  no  reason  for  reluctance  in  leaving 
this  world,  any  more  than  the  sentinel  in  being  called 


164 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


from  his  post  after  a  stormy  night,  or  the  child  who  has 
been  long  from  home,  in  returning  to  his  father's  house. 

"5.  I  am  satisfied  from  much  observation,  that  the 
bodily  pangs  of  dying  are  much  less  terrible  than  is 
commonly  supposed,  excepting  in  a  few  extreme  cases.  I 
will  not  therefore  be  greatly  disquieted  with  the  anticipa- 
tion of  these  pangs. 

"  VI.  Public  deportment. 

•'I.I  will  endeavor  to  remember  that  as  a  minister  of 
the  gospel,  my  office  is  more  important  than  that  of  any 
earthly  potentate. 

"  2.  In  my  intercourse  with  men,  I  will  endeavor  not 
to  degrade  this  office  by  exhibiting  a  love  of  money,  one 
of  the  vilest  and  most  dangerous  passions  that  can  infest 
the  heart  of  a  minister. 

"  3.  I  will  watch  against  levity  in  conversation,  a  fault 
to  which  I  am  in  danger  of  resorting  as  an  antidote 
against  the  influence  of  feeble  health.  Yet 

"  4.  I  will  not  identify  in  feeling,  or  in  my  conduct 
tempt  others  to  identify  religion  and  melancholy ;  because 
if  I  were  to  paint  a  Pharisee,  I  should  give  him  a  sad 
countenance ;  but  if  an  angel  or  my  Saviour,  a  cheerful 
one.  The  fact  that  painters  who  are  strangers  to  vital 
godliness,  so  generally,  in  representing  Christ,  give  him 
the  aspect  of  sadness,  I  will  endeavor  to  make  instructive 
to  myself 

"  VII.  Care  of  my  health. 

"  The  difference  between  that  state  of  health  which 
amounts  to  bare  existence,  and  that  which  admits  of 
vigorous  mental  action,  is  so  great,  that  there  is  no 
earthly  blessing  I  so  earnestly  desire  as  health.  But  as 
I  am  clearly  destined  to  be  an  invalid  while  I  live, 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


165 


whatever  I  am  to  do  for  God  and  the  church,  is  to  be 
accomplished  by  systematic  care  of  my  frail  body. 

"  1.  I  will  not  eat  or  drink  any  kind  or  quantity  of 
food,  that  I  have  good  reason  to  believe  will  impair  my 
health. 

"  2.  I  will,  when  not  sick,  take  exercise  daily,  equiva- 
lent to  the  labor  of  sawing  and  splitting  wood  two  hours. 

"  3.  When  in  perspiration,  I  will  not  stand  or  sit  in 
cold  air,  without  increase  of  clothing.  I  will  not  stand 
or  walk  on  wet  ground,  in  a  cold  season,  without  guarding 
my  feet ;  and  I  will  shun  exposure  to  the  evening,  in  cold 
or  damp  weather." 

Appended  to  the  preceding  resolutions,  are  the  following 
memorandum  and  resolution,  dated 

"  Dec.  4,  1822.  '  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the 
righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  to  their  cry.'  In  my 
secret  devotions  this  morning,  this  passage  impressed  my 
mind  deeply.  The  parent  says  to  the  child,  •  I  cannot 
attend  to  your  wishes  now  my  child,  come  again  when  I 
am  at  leisure.'  The  teacher  says  to  the  pupil,  '  I  cannot 
forego  my  present  engagements,  come  again  and  I  will 
listen  to  you.'  The  suitor  for  justice  finds  so  many  cases 
on  the  docket  before  his  own,  that  he  must  wait  perhaps 
months  or  years  before  he  can  get  access  to  the  ear  of  his 
judge.  But  the  ear  of  my  Father  in  heaven  is  always 
open.  He  never  says,  ♦  Come  to-morrow  and  I  will 
listen.' — I  resolve  not  to  forget  this  more  than  paternal 
goodness." 

Among  the  chosen  means  employed  by  Dr.  Porter  for 
promoting  his  growth  in  grace,  besides  the  usual  exercises 
of  the  closet — reading  the  Scriptures,  meditation,  self- 
examination  and  prayer — he  was  accustomed  daily  to 
read  portions  of  devotional  books,  such  as  the  writings  of 


166 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Baxter,  Jeremy  Taylor,  Howe,  Flavel,  and  Owen.  "  Early 
in  my  ministry,"  he  remarks,  "  it  became  my  settled  pur- 
pose to  read  a  passage  daily,  if  it  were  but  a  single  page, 
in  some  spiritual  writer  of  this  class.  My  object  was  to 
promote  the  spirituality  of  my  own  heart,  and  keep  in 
lively  exercise  its  Christian  sensibilities,  in  connection  with 
my  private  devotions,  and  my  preparations  for  the  pulpit. 
I  have  always  found,  what  I  presume  is  common  in  the 
experience  of  my  brethren,  that  no  intellectual  process, 
no  degree  of  labor  at  the  study  table,  would  enable  me  to 
prepare  a  profitable  sermon,  unless  my  heart  was  kept  near 
to  God  during  its  preparation.  And  amid  the  crowd  of 
various  avocations  to  which  every  minister  is,  more  or 
less,  unavoidably  exposed,  his  heart  cannot  be  thus  kept, 
without  means  specially  adapted,  and  systematically  em- 
ployed for  this  purpose."  Alluding  to  the  same  subject, 
he  says,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  "  I  have  learned,  by  the 
experience  of  years,  that  my  heart  requires  a  more  exact 
regimen  than  my  body.  It  is  not  sufficient  for  me  daily  to 
read  a  portion  of  the  Bible.  I  need  the  stimulus  of  vari- 
ety, and  I  have  often  found  a  passage  of  some  spiritual 
writer  to  affect  my  feelings,  when  nothing  else  would 
awaken  emotion."  Means  which  he  found  so  useful  to 
himself  he  earnestly  recommended  to  others,  especially  to 
his  pupils.  The  conviction  that  an  increase  of  devotional 
reading  would  exert  a  salutary  influence  on  Christians 
generally,  induced  him  near  the  close  of  his  life  to  prepare 
for  a  publication  an  abridgment  of  Owen  on  Spiritual 
Mindedness,  and  on  the  cxxx.  Psalm.  These  abridgments 
were  prepared  not  by  substituting,  to  any  extent,  his  own 
language  for  that  of  the  author,  but  by  merely  erasing 
pleonastic  phraseology,  which  obscured  the  sense  or 
enfeebled  the  expression. 

In  the  cultivation  of  his  spiritual  feelings  Dr.  Porter  was 
also  systematic.    It  was  a  distinct  part  of  his  daily  em-. 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


167 


ployment.  "  The  heart,"  he  writes  to  one  in  whose 
religious  character  he  felt  a  lively  interest,  "  must  be 
taken  care  of,  or  nothing  is  done  as  to  the  great  ends  of 
immortal  existence.  This  must  be  done,  too,  not  by  good 
resolutions,  but  by  systematic,  daily  resort  to  the  Bible 
and  the  closet.  A  watch  would  fulfil  the  purposes  of  its 
maker  with  a  broken  main-spring,  as  well  as  a  man  whose 
heart  is  not  in  order.  But  the  main-spring  will  not  make 
it  go,  unless  daily  wound  up." 

A  brief  extract  from  his  Lecture  on  the  Cultivation  of 
Spiritual  Habits,  &c.,  which  expresses  with  characteristic 
clearness  his  views  of  the  paramount  importance  oi  regu- 
larity in  these  habits,  may  gratify  the  reader. 

"  The  man  who  imagines  that  he  can  perform  his  secret 
devotions  in  the  street,  as  well  as  in  the  closet,  or  as  well 
without,  as  with  stated  times  for  the  purpose,  is  ignorant  of 
his  own  mind.  Intellectual  and  spiritual,  as  well  as  other 
habits,  are  formed  on  the  principles  of  association.  In 
the  regular  recurrence  of  the  thing  to  be  done,  there  must 
be  identity  of  f/r«e,  and  p/rtce,  and  circumstances.  He  who 
assigns  to  his  closet  devotions  a  particular  season,  will 
find  the  return  of  that  season  bring  with  it  the  recollection 
of  the  duty  ;  so  that  the  omission  of  it  at  the  customary 
time,  will  be  attended  with  mental  uneasiness.  His  avo- 
cations too,  will  readily  become  adjusted  to  this  settled 
order,  so  as  not  to  intrude  on  his  hours  of  communion 
with  God.  But  the  man  who  waits  for  impulses,  and  goes 
to  his  closet  only  at  irregular  times,  has  no  advantage  of 
habit  in  this  duty.  He  attends  to  it  without  constancy, 
without  preparation,  and  without  enjoyment.  He  has  no 
current  of  spiritual  feeling;  other  engagements  thrust 
themselves  between  him  and  God  ;  the  day  and  the  night 
pass  away,  without  any  season  of  retirement ;  he  forgets 
to  pray,  because  he  has  no  system  in  the  care  of  his  own 


168 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


heart.  Thus  perhaps,  he  slides  into  estrangement  from 
his  closet,  for  days  and  weeks  together. 

"  There  is  no  point  in  Christian  experience  more  settled 
than  this,  that  there  is  an  intimate  connection  between 
enjoyment  in  closet  devotions,  and  their  return  at  regular 
seasons.  The  best  writers  on  the  subject  say  so.  Devout 
Christians,  learned  and  unlearned,  say  so.  Our  own 
experience  says  so.  Several  hundred  students  of  this 
seminary  to  whom,  at  different  times  I  have  put  the 
inquiry,  in  private  conversations,  have  been  agreed  on  this 
point,  without  one  exception. 

"  If  you  would  form  such  spiritual  habits,  then,  as  shall 
promote  your  progress  in  personal  religion,  draw  a  sacred 
enclosure  around  your  hallowed  seasons  of  retirement,  to 
preserve  them  from  interruption.  To  accomplish  this, 
your  times  of  secret  devotion  should  be  so  chosen,  as  not  to 
interfere  with  other  duties.* 

Few  men  have  so  frequent  and  affecting  admonitions  of 
their  frailty  as  Dr.  Porter  received  from  bodily  infirmity. 
The  result  was  a  vivid  and  abiding  impression  of  eternal 
realities,  which  obviously  contributed  to  chasten,  elevate, 
and  strengthen  his  spiritual  feelings.  To  his  trials  from 
infirmity,  as  oidered  of  God  for  his  spiritual  good,  he  felt 
himself  deeply  indebted,  and  in  view  of  them,  most  cor- 
dially adopted  the  acknowledgment  of  the  Psalmist,  "  It 
is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted."  In  the  spirit 
of  this  acknowledgment  he  remarks,  in  a  letter  to  his  wife, 
"  I  have  too  much  reason  to  confess,  with  a  pious  woman 
of  Nevvburyport,  that  I  should  never  have  taken  one  step 
towards  God,  without  the  stripes  of  his  correcting  hand. 
And  if  still  heavier  strokes  than  have  yet  been  inflicted, 
are  necessary  for  my  spiritual  good,  I  desire  to  welcome 


*  See  Lectures  on  Homiletics,  &c.,  pp.  264 — 268. 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


169 


them  as  the  richest  blessings."  The  subjoined  letter, 
though  somewhat  miscellaneous,  will,  in  this  connection, 
be  read  with  interest. 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  Since  the  autumn  before  I  removed  to  Andover, 
you  will  recollect  I  have  almost  yearly  had  an  October 
cold,  more  or  less  severe.  Of  late  I  think  this  has  taken 
deeper  hold  of  my  lungs,  at  least  has  produced  more 
cough  than  formerly,  and  my  stomach  and  general  system 
have  had  less  strength  to  sustain  its  ravages.  How  long 
this  struggle  betwixt  life  and  death,  in  my  poor  body,  is  to 
last,  is  a  question  which  I  rejoice  it  is  not  for  me  to  de- 
termine. Yet  He  who  made  me,  and  sent  me  an  agent 
into  this  world,  requires  me  to  use  the  proper  means  to 
preserve  my  life. 

"  As  you,  my  dearest  friend,  have  a  deep  interest  in 
this  subject,  you  are  entitled  to  know  my  views  more  dis- 
tinctly than  I  have  before  expressed  them.  And  perhaps 
I  cannot  devote  the  little  leisure  which  my  present  seclu- 
sion affords  to  a  better  use. 

"  I  regard  the  enjoyment  and  the  value  of  life  as  con- 
sisting wholly  in  its  being  devoted  to  the  glory  of  God. 
This  made  it  desirable  to  the  world  and  to  themselves, 
that  Paul,  and  Luther,  and  Baxter  should  live.  In  the 
same  view,  I  hope  my  own  life  has  not  been  altogether  in 
vain  :  though  its  best  services  to  the  church  have  been 
performed  in  '  weakness,  and  fear,  and  much  trembling.' 
It  is  with  unspeakable  pleasure  that  I  anticipate  a  meeting 
with  some  of  our  dear  flock  at  Washington,  to  be  my 
crown  of  rejoicing  forever.  But  I  have  been  surprised  at 
the  affectionate  reception  among  that  people,  of  services 
so  extremely  defective  as  mine  often  were.  I  have  been 
more  surprised  at  the  candor  and  fraternal  kindness  with 
which  my  labors  have  been  regarded,  from  the  first,  at 
15 


170 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Andover,  by  professors,  trustees,  and  students.  And  I 
have  been  not  less  surprised  at  the  unremitted  affection 
and  confidence  of  Mr.  Bartlet.  In  truth,  excepting  the 
customary  routine  of  official  duty,  you  know  that  I  have 
often  been  able  to  accomplish  less  as  a  student,  in  a 
month,  than  in  good  health  I  might  have  done  in  one  day. 
Now  I  know  that  to  one  who  loves  books,  and  loves  his 
appropriate  professional  business  as  I  do,  here  is  room  to 
glorify  God  by  submission.  And  if  I  had  grace  enough 
to  exhibit  the  Christian  character  in  this  respect,  as  it 
ought  to  be  exhibited  by  one  in  my  circumstances,  then  I 
could  see  how  my  life  might  turn  to  good  account  at  An- 
dover, though  even  less  active  and  productive  of  positive 
fruit,  than  it  has  been.  But  as  the  case  is,  I  must  frankly 
say,  that  I  have  felt  no  subject  of  solicitude  half  so  oppres- 
sive, as  the  apprehension  that  the  partial  friendship  of  the 
dear  men  with  whom  I  have  been  connected,  might  make 
them  and  me  overrate  the  importance  of  my  usefulness, 
and  subject  our  beloved  seminary  to  injury  on  my  ac- 
count. 

"  On  the  subject  of  leaving  this  world,  I  must  have 
been  something  less  than  a  Christian  or  a  reasonable  man, 
not  to  have  made  this  familiar  to  my  thoughts,  for  many 
years.  During  the  last  years  of  my  pastoral  life,  I  collect- 
ed and  classed  a  great  variety  of  cases  of  dying  persons, 
with  a  view  to  my  own  benefit.  The  object  was  to  exam- 
ine the  views  of  different  Christians  in  this  case,  to  ascer- 
tain principles.  In  all  my  infirmities  however,  I  have  sel- 
dom had  disquieting  views  of  death,  and  have  in  no  in- 
stance considered  it  to  be  very  near.  Asa  specimen  of 
feeling  at  those  times  when  I  have  thought  death  desira- 
able,  I  send  you  these  lines,  scribbled  with  my  pencil,  in 
my  berth  at  sea  ;  after  an  interval  of  near  thirty  years 
since  my  pen  attempted  a  couplet  in  verse. 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


171 


"  Welcome,  lonely,  tranquil  grave. 
The  weary  pilgrim's  bed  ; 
My  languid  limbs  thy  refuge  crave, 
Thy  rest,  my  aching  head. 

"  Restless  world,  that  sleep  will  close 
Thy  scenes  of  grief  and  caie  : 
No  ])ains  nor  conflicts,  sins  nor  woes, 
Invade  the  slumber  there. 

"  Soul,  redeemed  by  grace  divine, 
From  chains  of  guilt  and  clay. 
Spring  from  thy  fetters,  rise  and  shine, 
In  realms  of  endless  day. 

"  Such  feelings  have  most  predominated, when  my  pros- 
pects of  usefulness  to  the  church  have  been  most  clouded. 
Aside  from  what  I  am  to  accomplish  for  God,  I  would  as 
soon  be  a  vioh  or  a  brick-bat  as  the  occupant  of  any 
throne  in  Europe." 

An  effect  of  Dr.  Porter's  infirmities  deserving  a  passing 
notice,  was  an  increase  of  his  natural  susceptibility  of 
emotion  in  view  of  the  trials  of  others.  Of  the  depth  and 
tenderness  of  his  sympathy,  the  reader  may  judge  from  the 
subjoined  extracts  of  letters  to  two  of  his  earliest  and  most 
beloved  friends  in  the  ministry,  who  had  been  called  to 
drink  the  cup  of  affliction.  The  first,  written  from  Geor- 
gia, in  1817,  was  addressed  to  Rev.  Bezaleel  Pinneo  of 
Milford,  Conn. 

"  Brother  Pinneo, 

"  It  was  in  my  heart  to  visit  you  in  passing  on  to  the 
south,  but  I  presume  you  have  received  my  apology,  left 

with  brother  S  .    I  was  especially  desirous  to  call 

on  you,  because  I  was  told  that  Mrs.  P.  was  sick.  In 
Georgia,  the  afflictive  intelligence  has  come  to  me  that  the 


172 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


dear  woman  is  gone  !  In  this  distant  country,  the  news 
that  a  woman  of  uncommon  excellence,  one  whom  I  loved 
for  her  own  sake,  and  loved  because  she  was  the  wife  of 
my  friend,  and  was  dear  to  others  who  are  dear  to  me, 
was  a  heavy  stroke  to  my  heart.  How  much  heavier  the 
stroke  to  you,  to  your  children,  to  her  mother,  and 
brother  ! 

"  I  rejoice  to  be  told  tliat  you  was  enabled  to  bear  this 
affliction  in  a  manner  becoming  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 
I  say  enabled,  because  though  I  am  comparatively  a  stran- 
ger to  such  affliction,  as  every  one  is  who  has  not  felt  it,  I 
am  satisfied  there  is  no  adequate  support  in  such  a  case, 
but  that  arm  which  is  divine  and  almighty.  In  your  case, 
too,  I  am  satisfied  that  such  support  is  especially  neces- 
sary, because  a  husband  and  family  can  seldom  be  called 
to  part  with  so  much  worth  and  loveliness  in  the  character 
of  a  wife  and  mother.  I  write  this  letter  not  to  aggravate 
your  grief ;  not  to  instruct  you  on  a  subject  where  I  know 
you  are  much  wiser  than  myself,  but  to  assure  you  that  an 
old  friend  does  most  sincerely  mourn  with  you.  But  if  I 
understand  her  character,  she  has  left  the  best  sort  of  evi- 
dence that  she  is  gone  from  earth  to  heaven,  from  a  prison 
to  a  palace,  from  darkness  to  everlasting  day,  from  sin  and 
sinful  associates  to  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect;  to 
see  her  Saviour,  and  to  be  like  him  and  with  him  forever. 
Could  we  wish  to  recall  her  from  such  joy,  to  weep  and 
struggle  again  here  ? 

"  But  your  children  have  no  mother!  God  Almighty 
bless  you  and  them,  my  brother,  and  sustain  you  under 
this  loss.  Surely  it  is  time  we  were  all  prepared  to  die. 
Your  wife  is  gone.  Drs.  Strong,  and  Backus,  and  Dwight 
are  gone.  Oh,  what  heavy  strokes  God  is  dealing  out  upon 
the  church  !  In  the  darkness  and  desolations  of  this  re- 
gion, my  heart  exclaims,  '  Help,  Lord,  for  the  godly  man 
ceaseth.'  Ever  yours." 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


178 


To  Rev.  Zephaniah  Swift  of  Derby,  Conn.,  he 
writes : — 

"  Brother  Swift, 

"  I  have  accidentally  heard  of  the  death  of  your  ami- 
able and  beloved  daughter  H  .    After  having  spent 

forty-six  years  in  this  dying  world,  and  fifteen  in  the  min- 
istry— and  after  all  my  personal  infirmities,  I  am  really  un- 
quaJified  to  sympathise  with  you  under  such  a  trial,  be- 
cause I  have  not  felt  it.  Is  it  so  indeed  that  four  of  your 
family  are  in  the  grave  !  and  three  within  as  many  years 
past  ?  Truly  such  a  fact  stamps  poverty  and  emptiness  on 
the  best  satisfactions  of  this  world.  But  I  hope  you  have 
under  these  repeated  strokes  a  source  of  consolation  which 
death  cannot  impair,  and  which  affliction  only  renders  the 
more  invaluable.  I  hope  you  feel  with  the  excellent 
J.  Newton,  when  his  wife  was  dead  in  his  house,  that  '  as 
a  sinner  he  had  no  right,  and  as  a  believer,  no  reason  to 
complain.'  " — In  a  subsequent  letter  to  the  same  individ- 
ual he  remarks,  "  I  think,  my  dear  brother,  God  must  de- 
sign you  for  great  usefulness  here,  or  great  blessedness 
hereafter,  or  both  ;  by  the  trials  to  which  he  calls  you. 
Much  as  I  love  you,  my  sympathies  cannot  reach  the  spot 
that  has  so  often  bled  in  your  heart.  I  have  not  felt  the 
stroke  that  inflicted  the  wound.  But  I  know  it  was  in- 
flicted by  one  whose  wisdom,  and  benevolent  regard  to 
you,  infinitely  surpass  my  own.  And  if  I  am  sure  of  any 
thing  by  experience,  I  know  that  the  severest  strokes  of 
the  same  paternal  h  md,  which  I  have  felt,  have  been  my 
greatest  mercies." 

Among  the  developments  of  Dr.  Porter's  piety,  was  a 
deep  sense  of  his  sinfulness  and  dependence  on  sovereign 
grace.  Though  he  was  not  accustomed  either  in  his  cor- 
respondence or  conversation  to  say  much  of  his  own  feel- 


174 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


ings,  he  occasionally  alluded  to  the  native  sinfulness  of  his 
heart  in  terms  which  indicated  the  conviction  that  it  was 
radical  and  entire.  An  instance  or  two  is  subjoined.  In 
a  letter  to  Mrs.  Porter,  after  speaking  of  his  comfortable 
accommodations,  and  his  freedom  from  anxiety,  he  asks, — 
"But  have  I  no  troubles?  Some.  A  desperately  wicked 
heart  gives  me  more  trouble  than  all  other  things."  A 
memorandum,  dated  Jan.  1,  1817,  reads  as  follows. — "The 
first  time  I  wrote  this  date,  it  made  my  hand  tremble. 
Not  that  there  is  any  novelty  to  me  in  a  new  year,  for  I 
have  become  so  familiar  with  the  flight  of  time,  as  scarcely 
to  notice  it.  The  first  time  I  entered  at  all  into  the  suc- 
cession of  years,  as  marked  Anno  Domini,  was  at  the  age 
of  eleven,  on  seeing  1783  marked  on  the  title  page  of  an 
Almanac.  This  was  the  text  of  a  serious  sermon  to  my 
young  mind.  Oh  that  the  sensibility  of  my  childhood, 
which  is  almost  extinct,  were  succeeded  by  the  wisdom 
which  ought  to  accompany  my  advanced  years.  During 
every  hour  of  the  past  year,  while  awake,  I  have  commit- 
ted sin  enough  to  deserve  endless  misery.  So  I  have  done 
always,  and  shall  do  while  I  live.  Truly,  whoever  else  has 
room  to  boast,  or  to  hope  on  the  ground  of  personal  merit, 
— I  have  none.  That  my  heart  is  desperately  wicked,  is 
not  a  matter  of  theory  but  of  experience.  I  know  it  is  so, 
with  the  same  certainty  and  with  the  same  sort  of  evidence, 
as  I  know  that  I  exist.  O  my  indebtedness  to  grace, 
boundless,  matchless  grace ;  pardoning  grace ;  preserving 
grace!  If  I  am  to  live  through  1817,  Lord  help  me  to 
live  as  becomes  a  Christian  minister  at  the  age  of  forty- 
four." 

His  piety  was  equally  marked  by  resignation  and  flial 
confidence  in  God.  "  I  desire"  he  remarks  in  a  letter  to 
Mrs.  Porter,  already  quoted,  "  to  be  submissive  to  all  the 
variety  of  infirmity,  which  it  pleases  God  that  I  shall  suf- 
fer ;  while  I  have  the  fullest  conviction  that  his  chastise- 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


175 


ments  are  both  just  and  kind— just  because  I  deserve 
them,  and  kind  because  I  need  them.  I  have  learned  that 
my  happiness  ought  to  be,  and  is,  in  exact  proportion  to 
my  confidence  and  joy  in  God. — The  doctrine  of  a  univer- 
sal Providence  is  one  of  the  most  practical  articles  of  my 
belief.  Aside  from  a  full,  and  I  think,  joyful  acquiescence 
in  this,  I  could  not  be  comfortable  for  a  single  day."  The 
following  rebuke  to  an  intimate  and  beloved  brother  in 
the  ministry,  breathes  a  similar  sentiment. — "  Your  per- 
plexities are  a  severe  trial  to  my  feelings  ;  but  I  trust  they 
will  soon  be  over.  You  manifestly  look  back  too  much — 
you  talk  too  much  the  language  of  despondence  and  self- 
condemnation.  You  have  done  what  you  and  your  most 
impartial  Christian  friends  thought  was  best.  Your  judg- 
ment, now  clouded  by  too  much  painful  solicitude,  con- 
demns the  decisions  of  your  judgment  when  it  was  clear 

and  vigorous.    Cui  bono?    If  you  had  been  like  

 ,  dismissed  against  the  advice  of  your  best  friends, 

the  case  would  be  vastly  different.  As  it  is,  you  have 
only  to  trust  Providence,  and  march  forward  with  a 
cheerful  heart.    All  will  be  well." 

A  letter  from  Dr.  Porter  to  his  colleagues,  written  in 
1830,  while  he  was  returning  from  St.  Augustine,  presents 
in  beautiful  relief  the  trait  of  his  piety  we  are  now  con- 
sidering. He  had  been  advised  by  some  of  his  friends  to 
spend  the  summer  at  sea,  by  others  to  spend  it  in  jour- 
neying by  land,  while  his  own  feelings  strongly  urged  him 
to  return,  at  least  for  a  season,  to  Andover.  This  letter 
was  written  while  he  was  doubting  which  of  these  courses 
to  pursue. — "  You  cannot  be  aware,  dear  brethren,  how 
impatiently  I  long  to  meet  you  again,  in  the  enjoyments 
and  labors  of  our  beloved  seminary.  During  my  exile  for 
so  many  weary  months,  my  poor  heart  has  often  throbbed 
with  painful  emotions,  when  I  have  thought  of  my  study, 
my  family,  my  colleagues,  my  neighbors — the  lecture 


176 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


room  and  chapel  exercises  of  the  seminary.  And  then  I 
have  said,  '  the  cup  that  my  Father  hath  given  me,  shall 
I  not  drink  it  ? '  '  Lie  still  throbbing  heart ;  God  knows 
what  is  best ;  and  I  would  not,  if  I  could,  take  the  dis- 
posal of  my  lot  from  his  hands  into  my  own.' " 

Another  characteristic  of  Dr.  Porter's  piety  was  humility. 
Naturally  unassuming,  he  had  been  taught  by  grace,  "  in 
lowliness  of  mind"  to  esteem  others  better  than  himself; 
and  in  regard  to  his  own  spiritual  character  he  had  learned 
from  the  same  instructor,  "  not  to  think  of  himself  more 
highly  than  he  ought  to  think."  In  a  letter  to  his  wife  he 
remarks, — "  It  is  doubtless  owing  to  my  insensibility  that 
I  have  not  been  more  humbled  and  quickened  by  the 
dealings  of  God  with  me,  viewed  in  the  light  of  personal 
afflictions.  Considering  my  mercies  and  trials  both,  as  a 
means  of  sanctification,  I  look  on  my  little  attainments  in 
holiness  with  wonder  and  shame.  I  often  mourn  that  the 
teachers  of  my  childhood  were  so  injudicious,  and  so  uu- 
faithful,  and  so  unskilful  in  the  direction  of  my  literary 
pursuits  :  but  oh,  how  much  more  reason  have  I  to  lament 
that,  with  the  instructions  of  a  perfect  Teacher,  I  have 
been  a  dull  pupil  in  the  school  of  Christ.  With  the  same 
kind  of  discipline  that  made  Baxter  a  luminary  in  the 
Christian  firmament,  I  am  but  an  insect  scarcely  rendered 
visible  by  emitting  an  occasional,  feeble  light  amid  sur- 
rounding darkness."  "  Who,"  asks  Dr.  Woods,  in  his 
discourse  at  Dr.  Porter's  interment,  "who  ever  had  reason 
to  suppose  that  he  thought  of  himself  more  highly  than  he 
ought  to  think?  that  in  any  respect  he  overrated  his  talents, 
his  influence,  his  services,  or  his  piety?  When  and  where 
did  he  expect  an  honor  which  others  were  not  ready  to 
bestow  upon  him,  or  manifest  the  feeling  that  he  was  not 
held  high  enough  among  his  brethren  ?  It  was  far  other- 
wise. He  was  so  evidently  unassuming  and  humble,  that, 
although  he  was  always  in  all  societies,  placed  among  the 


CHRISTIAiN  CHARACTER. 


177 


first  in  point  of  influence,  no  one  envied  him,  or  felt  the 
least  uneasiness  that  his  talents  or  services  were  estimated 
so  highly." 

The  piety  of  Dr.  Porter  was  eminently  of  a  cheerful  and 
social  character.  With  very  few  exceptions,  he  was  what 
he  resolved  to  be,  a  cheerful  Christian,  equally  remote 
from  levity  and  austerity.  This  ought  doubtless  to  be 
attributed  in  part,  to  his  constitutional  equanimity,  which 
exempted  him  in  an  unusual  degree  from  perturbation  by 
the  ordinary  occurrences  of  life,  and  enabled  him  so 
effectually  to  repress  his  feelings  as  rarely  to  manifest 
excitement.  But  it  is  attributable  still  more  to  an  unwa- 
vering trust  in  God,  and  an  habitual  sense  of  his  presence. 
In  few  cases  perhaps,  is  more  nearly  realized  the  happy 
union  of  filial  joy  and  reverence,  contemplated  in  the 
following  paragraph  from  Luther's  "  Table  Talk." — "  I 
would  fain  see  one  that  could  make  these  two  agree  to- 
gether, to  be  joieful  and  to  be  afraid.  I  cannot  behave  my- 
self in  that  manner  towards  God,  that  my  little  son  John  can 
show  himself  towards  me  ;  for  when  I  sit  in  my  studie  and 
write  or  doe  something  else,  then  my  boy  sings  me  a  song, 
and  when  he  will  be  too  loud,  then  I  check  him  a  little  : 
yet  nevertheless  he  singeth  on,  but  with  a  more  mild  and 
softer  voice,  and  somewhat  with  fear  and  reverence  :  even 
so  would  God  have  us  to  doe."  The  society  of  the  people 
of  God  he  ardently  loved.  No  favor  is  more  gratefully 
acknowledged  in  his  correspondence.  Whether  on  sea  or 
land,  any  want  of  accommodations,  any  untoward  events 
were  easily  borne,  nay  seem  scarcely  to  have  been  felt,  so 
long  as  he  was  permitted  to  hold  fellowship  with  Christian 
society.  On  the  other  hand,  though  capable  of  fully 
appreciating  the  attractions  of  intelligence,  of  politeness, 
and  of  correct  deportment ;  no  society,  however  attractive 
in  these  respects,  if  destitute  of  piety,  could  strongly  and 
permanently  engage  hie  affections.    As  expressive  of  his 


178 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


feelings,  the  following  extract  is  cited  from  a  journal,  in 
which  he  describes  the  residence,  and  most  gratefully 
acknowledges  the  hospitality  of  an  intelligent  and  highly 
respectable  gentleman  in  one  of  the  southern  States,  with 
whom  he  had  spent  several  days  as  a  guest.  "  Here  I 
had  perhaps  as  high  a  specimen  of  elegant  hospitality  as 
any  country  can  furnish.  My  host  and  his  children  are 
communicants  in  the  church  ;  but  I  fear  are  stran- 
gers to  piety: — not  even  the  form  of  devotion  is  seen  here! 
So  much  that  I  am  constrained  to  call  excellence  and 
loveliness,  and  yet  nothing  that  I  can  call  piety  !  Oh  ! — 
I  am  charmed  with  this  spot :  and  yet  give  me  all  its 
charms,  united  with  the  wealth  of  Croesus  and  the  power 
of  Caesar,  I  would  not  live  here ;  I  would  not  be  '  smoth- 
ered to  death,'  in  the  embraces  of  a  smiling  world.  No, 
I  would  rush  away  from  such  enchantment.  Rather  than 
trust  my  wretched  heart  in  such  peril,  give  me  my  Bible, 
and  let  me  be  the  Shepherd  of  Salisbury  Plain." 

In  this  connection  it  should  be  observed,  that  the 
meeting  for  religious  worship  was  ever  his  chosen  resort. 
For  tiie  last  several  years  of  his  life,  indeed,  he  was  entirely 
prevented,  by  the  state  of  his  health,  from  attending  meetings 
abroad  in  the  evening ;  and  not  unfrequeutly  on  the  Sab- 
bath, was  for  the  same  reason  detained  from  the  sanctuary. 
This  he  accounted  one  of  the  severest  privations  occa- 
sioned by  his  frailty.  The  following  extract  of  a  letter  to 
Mrs.  Porter  in  1820,  during  a  confinement  by  illness  at 
Baltimore,  already  alluded  to,  exhibits  the  feelings  of 
one  who  "  longed,  yea,  even  fainted  for  the  courts  of  the 
Lord." 

"  Perhaps  this  is  my  first  letter  dated  on  the  Sabbath  ; 
but  I  trust  the  spirit  which  governs  my  pen,  is  not  incon- 
sistent with  the  sanctity  of  the  Lord's  day.  Two  dreary 
Sabbaths  I  spent  on  the  deep,  without  (as  I  suppose)  one 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


179 


Christian  soul  associated  in  our  company.  To-day  and 
yesterday,  I  feel  more  like  health,  than  for  any  equal 
period  in  four  weeks.  But  my  confinement  renders  it 
improper  to  attend  public  worship.  Still,  though  not  per- 
mitted to  unite,  as  to  form,  in  the  regular  duties  of  the 
Sabbath,  I  am  permitted  to  love,  and  I  trust  to  enjoy 
them,  above  thousands  who  mingle  in  its  external  observ- 
ances. For  example,  here  are  one  Scotch,  one  Presby- 
terian, two  Episcopal,  and  several  Methodist  churches, 
whose  ministers  and  many  of  whose  members  I  suppose  to 
be  children  of  the  Most  High  God.  I  hear  their  bells 
ring— I  know  substantially  the  import  of  their  prayers. 
Now,  without  disturbing  any  worshipper,  or  occupying  the 
seat  of  another,  I  can  be  present  in  spirit,  with  any  of 
these  churches.  In  the  same  manner,  I  can  transfer 
myself  to  the  Circular  church  in  Charleston,  or  the  beloved 
chapel  of  Andover.  So  far  as  I  possess  the  genuine  spirit 
of  the  Sabbath,  I  cannot  be  debarred  from  the  communion 
of  the  saints.  Blessed  be  God  that  I  was  not  born  to  the 
sottish  ignorance  of  the  Hindoo  ;  nor  to  the  senseless 
levity  of  the  Parisian  rabble,  where  the  Sabbath  indeed  is 
allowed  a  name,  while  its  religious  rites  are  mingled  with 
ten  thousand  discordant  sounds,  from  the  chisel  of  the 
ma,son,  the  hammer  of  the  auctioneer,  the  notes  of  the 
crier,  the  mirth  of  dancing  parents  and  children,  and  the 
thunder  of  gilded  chariots  in  the  mad  whirl  of  dissipation. 
Oh,  the  horrible  guilt  of  those  ministers  of  religion,  who 
have  contributed  to  sink  a  nation  of  Christendom  to  such 
debasement !  And  among  us  Protestants,  I  fear  there  are 
many  who  officially  lead  the  devotions  of  others,  who  are 
strangers  in  spirit,  to  the  benefits  and  comforts  of  com- 
munion with  God." 

Dr.  Porter's  piety  was  active.  Regarding  the  "  enjoy- 
ment and  the  value  of  life  as  consisting  wholly  in  its  being 


180 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


devoted  to  the  glory  of  God,"  it  was  the  purpose  of  his  life 
"  to  glorify  Him  on  the  earth,  and  to  finish  the  work  which 
was  given  him  to  do."  In  his  accustomed  sphere  of  labor, 
and  in  his  oft  repeated  journies, 

 "  His  care  was  fixed 

To  fill  his  odorous  lamp  with  deeds  of  light, 
And  hope  that  reaps  not  shame." 

Often  in  his  letters  to  Mrs.  Porter  he  speaks  in  an  un- 
ostentatious way,  of  some  plan  he  was  executing,  or  had 
in  contemplation  for  the  good  of  Zion — thus  manifesting 
the  spirit  that  prompted  the  exclamation,  "If  I  forget  thee, 
O  Jerusalem,  let  my  right  hand  forget  her  cunning.  If  I 
do  not  remember  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of 
my  mouth;  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy." 
Of  his  activity,  and  of  the  extent  and  efficiency  of  his 
eflforts  in  connection  with  various  benevolent  associations, 
the  reader  will  be  able  to  judge  from  the  reference  to  this 
subject  in  a  subsequent  part  of  the  memoir.  Probably 
there  have  been  few  men  within  the  last  quarter  of  a  cen- 
tury, to  whose  counsels  and  labors  the  cause  of  Christian 
philanthropy  is  more  indebted.  These  counsels  were 
characterized  by  wisdom,  these  labors  were  guided  by 
Christian  principle  ;  while  the  zeal  from  which  they  ema- 
nated, was  tempered  by  discretion. 

It  may  be  added  as  another  feature  of  Dr.  Porter's  piety, 
that  he  had  acquired  to  an  unusual  extent,  thcpowcr  of  self- 
control.  By  this  his  actions  were  modified,  as  well  in 
respect  to  food,  to  dress,  to  equipage,  to  deportment  in  his 
family,  and  in  social  intercourse  generally,  as  in  respect  to 
his  sacred  and  responsible  station  as  an  ambassador  of 
Christ,  and  an  instructor  of  candidates  for  the  same  holy 
calling.  His  "  resolutions"  adopted  in  his  most  devotional 
frames,  were  not  mere  expressions  of  feeling  to  be  forgotten 
or  violated  at  pleasure  ;  they  were  practical  rules,  drawn 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


181 


from  the  pages  of  revealed  truth,  to  which  his  life  from 
day  to  day,  was  studiously  conformed.  As  an  instance  of 
the  control  which  he  exercised  over  himself,  it  is  worthy 
to  be  recorded,  that  though  daily  called  for  years  to  read 
and  hear  as  a  critic  the  sermons  of  others,  and  on  that 
account,  peculiarly  exposed  to  become  a  merely  intellectual 
and  captious  hearer,  he  had,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  his 
efforts,  acquired  the  ability  almost  entirely  to  lay  aside  his 
critical  habits  in  the  house  of  God  ;  like  the  ordinary 
Christian,  to  "receive  with  meekness  the  ingrafted  word," 
and  to  profit  by  an  application  of  it  to  his  own  heart. 
Effectually  to  secure  this  control,  he  adopted  the  deter- 
mination, from  which  he  rarely  deviated,  that  he  would 
not  allow  himself  to  remark  in  his  family,  on  the  perform- 
ances of  the  sanctuary. 

In  addition  to  the  traits  of  his  piety  already  enumerated, 
it  was  characterized  by  gentlcmss,  simplicity,  and  godly 
sincerity — graces  which  were  as  distinctly  observable,  and 
which  perhaps  contributed  as  much  to  give  a  cast  to  his 
religious  character,  and  to  promote  his  usefulness,  as  any 
of  those  previously  named. 

As  might  have  been  expected,  the  Christian  character 
of  Dr.  Porter  was  distinguished  for  uniformity  and  con- 
sistency. Few  men,  in  these  respects,  could  with  more 
propriety  adopt  the  language  of  the  apostle,  when  ad- 
dressing their  fellow  Christians: — "  Be  ye  followers  of  me, 
even  as  I  also  am  of  Christ."  Some  allowance,  indeed, 
ought  doubtless  to  be  made  in  his  case  for  constitutional 
temperament.  But  uniformity  and  consistency  were  the 
natural  fruits  of  his  regular  devotional  habits  ;  his  abiding 
sense  of  dependence  on  grace,  his  cordial  resignation,  his 
entire  consecration  to  the  service  of  God,  and  his  habits 
of  self-control.  The  man  who  employs  systematically  and 
faithfully  the  means  of  spiritual  culture  which  God  has 
appointed,  we  do  not  ordinarily  expect  to  find  shrouded  in 
16 


182 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  fORTER. 


spiritual  darkness,  'llie  man  who  daily  feels  his  depend^ 
ence  on  sovereign  grace,  and  cherishes  a  spirit  of  submis-' 
sion,  we  do  not  expect  to  see  the  subject  of  despondency. 
He  whose  consecration  to  the  service  of  God  is  entire  and 
steady ;  who  has  brought  his  passions,  his  desires,  his 
pursuits,  "  into  captivity  to  the  obedience  of  Christ,"  we 
do  not  expect  to  see  led  astray  by  common  allurements, 
frustrated  by  common  obstacles,  daunted  by  common 
opposition. 

"  This  is  the  man  whom  storms  can  never  make 
Meanly  complain  ;  nor  can  a  flattering  gale 
Make  him  talk  proudly  :  he  hath  no  desire 
To  read  his  secret  fate  :  yet  unconcern'd 
And  calm,  can  meet  his  unborn  destiny 
In  all  its  charming,  or  its  frightful  shapes." 

Among  the  fruits  of  Dr.  Porter's  piety  was  uncompro- 
mising faithfulness  in  the  discharge  of  duty.  He  loved  to 
contemplate  the  character  of  Nehemiah.  Viewing  him- 
self the  servant  of  Christ,  he  wished  to  be  thus  viewed  by 
others  ;  and  having  adopted  the  principle  of  fearlessly 
obeying  God,  leaving  the  results  to  his  sovereign  disposal, 
he  shrunk  not  from  obvious  Christian  duty  through  fear 
of  being  deemed  sanctimonious  or  impertinent.  Whed 
associated  with  others  even  as  a  travelling  companion, 
the  benevolence  of  his  motives,  the  holiness  of  his  conduct,  ' 
in  a  word,  the  light  of  his  piety  were  so  manifested,  as  to 
win  respect  for  himself,  and  command  deference  for 
religion.  Among  those  with  whom  he  was  to  be  asso- 
ciated several  days,  as  on  a  voyage  at  sea,  he  was  accus- 
tomed, if  possible,  to  establish  religious  order,  at  least  so 
far  as  to  have  religious  service  at  table  ;  and  where  it 
could  be  done,  social  worship  morning  and  evening.  In 
his  efforts  for  this  purpose  he  was  so  conciliating  and 
discreet,  and  at  the  same  time  so  persevering,  as  rarely  to 
meet  a  repulse.    And  in  a  few  instances,  to  which  he 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


183 


alludes  in  his  letters,  he  was  successful  in  similar  efforts 
under  less  favorable  circumstances. 

Once  when  passing  through  Long-Island  Sound  on 
board  a  steam-boat,  with  a  numerous  company  including 
several  clergymen,  he  proposed  having  a  blessing  asked, 
and  thanks  returned  at  table.  A  part  only  even  of  his 
clerical  brethren  thought  it  worth  while  to  make  the 
attempt,  as  having  been  before  made  without  success. 
The  captain  was  consulted  and  cordially  assented  to  the 
proposal.  Dr.  Porter  then  requested  a  military  gentleman 
to  call  the  company  to  order  at  the  table,  saying  at  the 
same  time,  "  though  I  should  much  prefer  to  have  you  do 
it,  if  you  object,  I  will  do  it  myself."  When  the  company 
were  summoned  to  dinner,  and  had  generally  become 
seated,  Gen.  M.  rapped  on  the  table,  and  observed  that, 
as  several  clergymen  were  present,  he  presumed  no  one 
would  object  to  having  a  blessing  asked.  Several  voices 
responded  "  certainly  not."  lie  then  requested  Dr.  Porter 
to  perform  the  duty.  After  most  of  the  company  had 
dined,  he  again  called  to  order,  and  requested  another 
clergyman  to  return  thanks.  This  occurred  in  the 
autumn.  As  Dr.  Porter  journeyed  the  following  spring 
through  the  western  part  of  Massachusetts,  he  spent  a 
night  in  Northampton,  where  he  learned  the  existence  of 
an  interesting  revival.  After  preaching  in  the  evening  to 
an  attentive  audience,  he  was  called  upon  by  Gen.  M — ., 
who  informed  him  that  as  a  result  of  the  efibrt  to  establish 
religious  order  on  board  the  steam-boat,  one  of  the  passen- 
gers, a  merchant  of  his  acquaintance,  was  so  much 
affected,  that  he  retired  immediately  to  his  berth  for 
reflection.  For  the  first  time  he  realized  the  attractiveness 
and  worth  of  piety,  and  the  deplorablciiess  of  his  own 
state  while  destitute  of  it.  His  impressions  which  were 
deepened  by  a  domestic  aifliction  of  subsequent  occur- 
rence, resulted  in  his  becoming  a  hopeful  convert — the 


184 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


first  fruit  of  a  revival  which  extended  into  adjacent  towns, 
and  numbered  several  hundred  subjects. 

At  another  time  when  riding  in  a  stage  coach,  some  of 
the  company  had  been  greatly  annoyed  by  the  profaneness 
of  a  fellow-passenger,  but  had  borne  it  in  silence.  Dr, 
Porter  resolved  that  he  would  improve  the  first  favorable 
moment,  to  administer  reproof  The  company  having 
resumed  their  seats  after  a  brief  stop  for  the  change  of 
horses,  he  thus  addressed  his  companions; — "Now  I  pro- 
pose, gentlemen,  that  we  have  no  more  swearing  ;  I  will 
agree  not  to  swear,  if  the  rest  will." — The  remark  had  the 
desired  effect. 

On  a  certain  occasion,  Dr.  Porter  accompanied  by  three 
individuals,  one  of  them  a  clergyman,  took  lodgings  at  a 
public  house  where  they  were  to  remain  a  little  time  for 
the  transaction  of  business.  In  accordance  with  his 
usage  in  such  cases,  he  proposed  that  they  should  have 
religious  service  at  their  table  ;  and  if  practicable  morning 
and  evening  worship  with  the  family ;  if  not  that  they 
should  unite  in  social  prayer  in  their  room.  The  sugges- 
tion was  not  cordially  received  by  his  companions,  which 
led  to  a  conversation  on  the  question  of  duty,  in  such  cir- 
cumstances. They  retired  without  even  a  season  of  social 
prayer  ; — not  all  of  them  to  rest,  however ;  for  the  con- 
science of  the  dissenting  clergyman  told  him  of  neglected 
duty.  He  arose  early  in  the  morning  and  informed  the 
family  of  the  proposal  which  had  been  made  the  preceding 
evening,  and  of  the  conversation  respecting  it.  With  an 
expression  of  regret  that  it  had  not  at  the  time  been  com- 
municated, the  landlord  desired  that  his  family,  none  of 
whom  were  pious,  might  at  least  be  called  together  for 
worship  in  the  morning.  The  influence  of  the  season  was 
salutary  and  permanent; — one  of  the  family  soon  became 
hopefully  the  subject  of  renewing  grace, 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


185 


Several  letters  are  found  among  his  papers  from  dif- 
ferent persons,  expressing  a  grateful  sense  of  obligation  to 
his  fidelity,  in  reproving  errors  or  pointing  out  defects  of 
character,  which  he  was  apprehensive  might  impair  their 
usefulness  or  happiness.  For  the  discharge  of  these 
duties,  he  was  favored  by  the  Creator  with  peculiar  quali- 
fications. Endued  with  singular  delicacy  of  feeling,  fiee 
even  from  the  appearance  of  a  dictatorial  spirit,  and  obvi- 
ously actuated  by  Christian  benevolence,  his  reproofs  were 
often  welcome,  where  if  they  had  been  administered  with 
a  different  spirit  they  would  have  met  disregard  and  re- 
pulse. It  required,  indeed,  uncommon  jealousy  and  acer- 
bity, to  suspect  liis  motives,  and  repel  his  kind  offices. 

The  letter  which  follows,  written  a  few  years  after  his 
removal  to  Andover,  presents  an  instance  of  Christian 
fidelity,  honorable  to  religion,  and  creditable  alike  to  the 
sensibility  and  the  heart  of  its  author.  It  was  addressed 
to  a  highly  respectable  clergyman,  now  deceased,  and 
was  occasioned  by  the  apprehension  that  he  was  becoming 
addicted  to  an  immoderate  use  of  strong  drink. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  I  will  not  stand  to  inquire  whether  the  degree  of 
intercourse  betwixt  you  and  myself  in  years  past,  authorizes 
the  freedom  of  this  letter.  But  if  any  apology  is  neces- 
sary, I  shall  find  it  at  once,  in  the  important  station  you 
hold  in  the  church,  and  in  the  love  and  respect  which  I 
have  always  entertained  for  you,  since  our  first  acquaint- 
ance at  college.  Let  me  only  premise  that  the  subject  of 
this  communication  is  and  will  be  confined  to  my  own 
bosom  : — should  you  deem  it  officious  or  impertinent,  you 
will  not  ascribe  it  to  bad  motives,  and  will  just  commit  it 
to  the  flames,  assured  that  no  evil  can  result  from  it. 
"  You  are  doubtless  aware,  my  dear  brother,  that  an 

occurrence  at  ,  on  a  late  public  occasion,  which 

16* 


186 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


deeply  involved  your  character,  produced  a  strong  excite- 
ment abroad.  The  shock  was  deeply  felt  among  your 
Christian  friends.  But  the  prompt  and  frank  confession 
with  which  it  was  said  you  met  the  thing,  induced  those 
who,  conscious  of  their  own  defects,  look  with  candor  on 
those  of  others,  to  hope  that  it  was  only  such  a  slip  as  any 
good  man  might,  in  an  unguarded  moment,  commit.  For 
myself  I  can  say  that  regarding  the  occurrence  as  inci- 
dcntnl,  and  as  no  part  of  a  settled  habit,  you  was  instantly 
and  fully  restored  to  my  Christian  confidence.  But  if  I 
act  the  part  of  a  Christian  friend,  and  tell  you  all  my 
heart,  I  must  tell  you  that  at  a  recent  interview  at  your 
house,  there  were  indications  in  your  countenance  and 

conversation  which  alarmed  me.    Br.  S  ,  who  felt 

the  same  alarm,  is  the  only  human  being  to  whom  ray 
apprehension  will  be  known,  except  to  yourself  I  was 
the  more  distressed  with  this  apprehension,  because  I  was 
assured  that  a  second  slip  would  ruin  you  altogether  as  a 
minister.  If  my  fears  were  groundless,  you  will,  I  know, 
forgive  them,  and  explain  them  consistently  with  the  belief 
that  I  am,  as  I  profess  to  be,  very  sincerely, 

"  Your  brother." 

"  Rev.    ." 

Dr.  Porter's  susceptibility  of  enjoyment  from  contem- 
plating the  works  of  nature  and  the  productions  of  art, 
was  much  increased  by  piety.  The  latter  when  of  a  useful 
character,  he  was  wont  to  encourage  by  such  expressions 
of  his  approbation  as  clearly  evinced  that  he  considered 
their  encouragement  a  part  of  Christian  duty.  And  though 
his  infirmities,  and  his  numerous  avocations,  forbade  his 
pursuing  to  any  extent  the  study  of  the  natural  sciences, 
still  he  was  an  interested,  devoted  student  of  nature.  To 
his  eye,  her  scenery  was  rich  in  beauty  ;  to  his  mind  was 
replete  with  instruction  ;  to  his  heart  was  prolific  in  exalted, 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


187 


benevolent  enjoyment.  "  His,"  in  the  language  of  a  writer 
he  greatly  admired, 

"  His  were  the  mountains,  and  the  vallies  his, 
And  the  resplendent  rivers.    His  t'  enjoy 
With  a  propriety  lliat  none  can  feel, 
But  who  with  filial  confidence  inspired, 
Can  smiling  say,  '  My  Father  made  them  all.'  " 

This  sketch  of  Dr.  Porter's  Christian  character  we  con- 
clude with  the  following  testimony  from  his  colleagues 
who  knew  him  best,  and  most  ardently  loved  him.  Says 
Professor  Stuart,  among  other  suggestions  respecting  his 

character  kindly  furnished  at  the  writer's  request,  

"  His  piety  was  of  the  most  sober  cast,  but  of  the  deepest, 
most  steady  and  enduring  kind.  Judgment  and  reason 
held  their  place  here  as  in  every  thing  else ;  and  although 
susceptible  of  powerful  emotions,  and  often  the  subject  of 
them,  yet  his  conduct  was  not  rendered  unsteady  by  them. 

"  Deeper  sense  of  sin  and  ill  desert ;  more  habitual 
sense  of  dependence  on  God,  and  obligation  resulting 
from  his  mercies  ;  more  entire  devotedness  to  the  interests 
of  the  church,  it  would  be  difficult  to  find.  It  has  not 
been  my  lot  to  witness  them  in  a  higher  degree. 

"  Never  have  I  known  accumulated  and  protracted  suf- 
ferings from  ill  health,  more  completely  borne  so  as  to 
commend  religion.  Few  men  ever  suffer  so  long  and  so 
much  ;  still  fewer  exhibit  such  an  example  of  submission 
and  filial  quietude.  Most  men  have  their  temper  injured 
by  protracted  distresses,  his  was  visibly  softened  and 
subdued." 

In  Dr.  Woods's  sermon  already  alluded  to,  we  find  a 
similar  though  somewhat  fuller  view  of  Dr.  Porter's 
religious  character. 

"As  to  Christian  character,  it  would  be  difficult  to 
name  a  man  of  more  unquestionable  piety  than  Dr.  Porter. 


188 


MEMOIR  OP  DR.  PORTER. 


The  evidence  he  gave  of  this  was  the  evidence  to  which 
the  sacred  Scriptures  attach  the  highest  importance ;  that 
is,  a  life  devoted  to  God,  and  regulated  hy  the  precepts  of 
the  Gospel.  His  pious  affections  had  both  strength  and 
ardor,  though  they  were  remarkably  sedate  and  rational. 
I  know  not  whether  he  was  more  distant  from  extrava- 
gance and  enthusiasm,  or  from  coldness  and  indifference. 
His  religion  exhibited  itself  in  a  steady,  active,  holy  prin- 
ciple, and  not  as  a  passionate  excitement.  He  had  a 
uniform  and  most  hearty  aversion  to  all  ostentation  and 
display.  And  this,  together  with  his  humble  estimation  of 
his  own  piety,  rendered  him  reserved  as  to  his  own 
religious  exercises.  He  was  indeed  slow  to  speak  of  any 
thing  which  related  particularly  to  himself  But  there 
were  times  when  he  unbosomed  his  religious  feelings  with 
freedom.  From  his  conversation  at  such  times,  from  his 
circumspect  example,  and  the  whole  development,  public 
and  private,  which  he  made  of  his  character,  it  was  abun- 
dantly evident  that  he  '  walked  with  God,'  and  made  it  his 
object  to  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ.  His  enjoyments  in  religion,  whether  in  health  or 
in  sickness,  were,  as  we  should  naturally  suppose  from  his 
general  character,  tranquil  and  uniform,  rather  than  rap- 
turous. Such  was  his  habit  of  watchfulness  and  circum- 
spection, such  his  balance  of  mind,  his  control  over  his 
appetites  and  passions,  and  his  maturity  of  religious  prin- 
ciple, and  such  his  sense  of  God's  all-seeing  eye,  that  he 
was  less  accessible  than  most  Christians  to  the  influence 
of  temptation,  and  more  perfectly  prepared  for  conflicts. 
He  endured  his  long  continued  infirmities,  and  the  dis- 
tressing diseases  with  which  he  was  frequently  attacked, 
with  an  equanimity  and  patience  almost  unparalleled.  I 
never  knew  a  man  who  accomplished  so  much,  and 
enjoyed  so  much,  with  health  so  often  interrupted  and 
feeble,  and  with  sickness  so  severe  and  exhausting." 


CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER. 


189 


Perusing  the  record  of  a  life  distinguished  for  Christian 
virtues,  we  unconsciously  look  forward  to  its  termination, 
anticipating  in  its  closing  scene  an  exhibition  of  the 
graces  and  consolations  which  are  usually  the  consequents 
of  steady  and  devoted  piety.  We  think  of  the  feelings  of 
Paul,  when  he  had  fought  the  good  fight,  and  finished  his 
course,  desiring  to  depart  and  receive  his  crown  of 
rejoicing — of  Luther,  thrice  saying  with  his  expiring 
breath,  "  Into  thy  hands  I  commit  my  spirit ;  God  of 
truth  thou  hast  redeemed  me" — of  Brainerd,  exclaiming, 
"  I  shall  soon  glorify  God  with  the  angels" — of  Edwards, 
bidding  the  weeping  and  desponding  circle  at  his  bedside, 
"  trust  in  God,  and  ye  need  not  fear" — of  Payson,  giving 
vent  to  faith  and  extatic  joy,  "  peace  !  peace  !  victory  1 
victory  1" — of  Evarts,  struggling  to  utter  unutterable  emo- 
tions, "  we  cannot  understand,  we  cannot  comprehend — 
wonderful  glory  !  I  will  praise,  I  will  praise  him  !  Jesus 
reigns."  It  might  be  deemed  matter  of  regret  that  the 
servant  of  God  whose  character  we  are  contemplating,  was 
not  permitted  to  leave,  as  a  legacy  to  his  friends  and  the 
church,  his  dying  experience  of  the  sanctifying,  sustain- 
ing, transporting  power  of  that  Gospel  to  which  his  heart 
was  indissolubly  wedded,  and  to  whose  dissemination  his 
life  had  been  steadily  devoted.  But  '  the  Lord  hath  done 
it,'  and  survivors  may  not  repine.  The  history  of  his  last 
illness  is  little  else  than  a  detail  of  the  progress  of  disease, 
paralyzing  physical  energies,  overpowering  reason,  and 
sundering  mortal  ties.  Reason,  indeed,  seemed  still  to 
hover  over  him,  as  though  waiting  to  reassert  her  wrested 
prerogatives  ;  and  sometimes  for  a  moment  the  attendants 
were  cheered  with  the  hope,  that  the  dying  man  might 
again  manifest  his  wonted  intelligence,  and  faith,  and  joy 
in  God.  But  the  hope  was  disappointed.  It  was  the 
decree  of  that  sovereignty  of  which  he  loved  to  view 
himself  the  subject,  that  his  intellectual  faculties  should 


190 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


slumber  till  awaked  with  augmented  capabilities  in  a 
higher  and  holier  sphere,  to  purer  and  more  elevated 
enjoyments.  Happily  it  may  be  said  of  Dr.  Porter  as  it  is 
of  Archbishop  Leighton, — "  No  record  is  necessary  of  the 
dying  moments  of  a  man,  whose  path  had  been  a  shining 
light  up  to  the  moment  when  the  shades  of  death  closed 
over  it.  God  was  assuredly  the  strength  of  his  heart  in 
the  hour  of  his  last  agony,  and  is  now  his  glorious  portion, 
his  exceeding  and  eternal  great  reward.  It  was  needless 
for  himself  that  he  should  have  notice  of  the  bridegroom's 
coming  ;  for  his  lamp  was  always  trimmed,  his  loins  were 
always  girded.  To  his  surviving  friends  it  could  have 
afforded  little  additional  satisfaction,  to  have  heard  him 
express  on  his  death-bed,  that  faith  and  holy  hope,  of 
which  his  life  had  been  one  unbroken  example ;  neither 
could  he  have  left,  for  the  benefit  of  posterity,  any  sayings 
more  suitable  to  a  dying  believer  than  those  he  duily 
uttered;  living  as  he  had  long  lived,  on  the  confines  of  the 
eternal  world."*  Be  it  our  care  suitably  to  acknowledge 
the  goodness  of  God,  which  enabled  his  servant  so 
eminently  to  exhibit  the  "  fruits  of  the  Spirit,"  and  in  our 
conduct  to  copy  the  example. 


*  Life  of  Leighton,  Works,  vol.  i.  p.  76, 


CHAPTER  XIIL 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 

Ministerial  character.  Theological  studies — Settlement  at  Wash' 
ington — First  efforts  directed  to  improvement  of  the  young — In- 
structions respecting  parental  duties — Catechetical  instruction — 
Results — Estimate  of  maternal  influence — Reliance  on  doctrinal 
instruction — On  activity  in  doing  good  to  promote  growth  in 
piety — Mode  of  preaching — Efforts  in  training  his  vocal  powers 

— Pastoral  labors — Revival.  Studies — Desire  of  improvement 

— Observance  of  propriety  in  public  religious  services — Concern 
respecting  reputation — Activity  —  Solicitude  for  the  purity  of 
the  church — Theological  views — Letters  to  Dr.  Tyler — Extracts 
from  Letter  on  Revivals. 

We  are  next  to  contemplate  Dr.  Porter  as  a  minister  of 
the  gospel,  and  an  officer  of  a  theological  seminary. 

Having  pursued  theological  study  about' a  year  and  a 
half  with  Rev.  John  Smalley,  D.  D.,  of  Berlin,  Conn.,  he 
received  license  to  preach  in  the  autumn  of  1794,  when 
but  twenty-two  years  of  age,  and  of  appearance  so  youth- 
ful, as  to  be  deemed  still  younger.  His  performances  as 
a  preacher  were  from  the  first  well  received,  and  he  was 
soon  favored  with  flattering  invitations  to  settle.  In  de- 
ciding upon  the  acceptance  of  his  call  from  Washington, 
he  seems  to  have  considered  the  question  no  other  than 
whether  his  life  should  be  spent  among  that  people ;  and 
from  the  moment  of  his  decision,  to  have  regarded  that  as 


193 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


his  permanent  field  of  labor.  In  this  he  was  not  more 
influenced  by  the  usages  of  the  times,  than  by  the  prin- 
ciple— a  principle  which  he  retained  through  life — that 
a  minister  should  not,  except  for  the  most  weighty  reasons, 
leave  a  parochial  charge  to  which  by  Providence  he  had 
been  called.  Few  subjects  caused  him  more  solicitude  in 
after  life,  than  the  readiness,  which  he  saw  was  gaining 
prevalence  both  among  ministers  and  people,  to  dissolve 
the  pastoral  relation  for  reasons  comparatively  unimpor- 
tant, and  the  facility  with  which  the  dissolution  was 
effected — an  evil  of  daily  increasing  magnitude.  Upon 
the  stability  and  permanency  of  the  ministry,  under  God, 
he  rested  his  only  hope  of  the  prosperity  of  Zion. 

His  plan  of  ministerial  labor,  formed  under  the  ex- 
pectation above  alluded  to,  was  sufficiently  extensive,  to 
require  for  its  execution  the  diligent  employment  of  all 
his  energies  through  life. 

His  first  efforts  were  directed  to  the  improvement  of 
the  youth  and  children  of  his  charge.  He  took  a  deep 
interest  in  the  schools  of  his.  parish;  considered  it  a 
part  of  his  duty  to  visit  them  regularly  and  often,  and 
to  maintain  over  them  a  watchful  supervision.  He  was 
accustomed  to  keep  a  record  of  the  teachers  and  scholars; 
to  note  with  much  precision  the  appearance  of  the  schools 
at  his  several  visits,  and  particularly  to  note  the  measure 
of  proficiency  discoverable  at  the  examinations,  that  he 
might  judge  correctly  of  their  improvement  from  year  to 
year.  He  used,  also,  frequently  to  invite  the  teachers  to 
assemble  in  his  study,  where  a  favorable  opportunity  was 
afforded  them  for  interchange  of  feeling  and  sentiment, 
and  him  to  make  such  suggestions  as  their  deficiencies, 
or  the  circumstances  of  their  schools  might  demand. 
That  he  might  inspire  the  youth  with  a  love  of  intelli- 
gence, and  might  afford  them  facilities  for  its  acquisition 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


193 


which  otherwise  most  of  them  could  not  have  enjo3ed,  he 
taught,  for  several  years,  a  select  class  composed  of  those 
who  had  completed  their  pupilage  in  the  common  schools. 
The  instruction  of  this  class  afforded  him  a  desirable 
opportunity  of  inculcating  religions  truth,  under  circum- 
stances peculiarly  adapted  to  give  it  efficacy  in  forming 
correct  theological  sentiments,  and  stable  moral  character. 
And  the  best  evidence  of  his  faithfulness  in  improving  this 
opportunity,  is  found  in  the  fact  which  he  learned  in  sub- 
sequent life,  that  almost  all  the  youth  whom  he  instructed, 
afterwards  became  hopefully  pious,  and  many  of  them 
owned  his  instructions  as  the  instrument.  As  he  ad- 
vanced in  years  his  conviction  was  strengthened  that 
much  of  a  minister's  usefulness  must  depend  on  judicious 
efforts  for  the  improvement  of  the  young. 

A  measure  on  which  Dr.  Porter  placed  great  reliance 
in  training  the  youth  of  his  charge,  to  correct  opinions 
and  habits,  was  the  establishment  of  a  library,  selected 
with  particular  reference  to  their  improvement.  Of  the 
original  selection,  and  of  the  occasional  additions,  he 
wisely  secured  the  control.  As  a  result  of  this  measure, 
he  was  permitted  to  witness  a  most  desirable  transforma- 
tion of  character — attachment  to  frivolity  succeeded  by 
fondness  for  reading  and  reflection.  As  the  efforts  he 
employed  exclusively  to  convey  religious  instruction  to 
the  young,  are  described  at  length  in  his  account  of  the 
revival  among  his  people,  a  specification  of  them  here  is 
unnecessary. 

Auxiliary  to  his  designs  for  the  moral  improvement  of 
youth  and  children,  he  was  careful  to  keep  before  the 
minds  of  professedly  pious  parents  their  duties  to  their 
baptized  children.  Occasional  meetings  were  appointed 
for  the  consideration  of  these  duties,  which  parents  were 
urged  to  attend,  accompanied  by  their  children.  These 
meetings  afforded  a  favorable  opportunity  for  explaining 
17 


194 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER, 


and  enforcing,  under  circumstances  adapted  to  secure 
attention,  the  conditions  of  the  covenant  between  God 
and  his  people ;  the  nature  of  the  baptismal  dedication, 
and  the  mutual  obligations  of  parent  and  child  growing 
out  of  it.  He  inculcated  the  doctrine  of  infant  baptism 
as  one,  the  reception  and  practice  of  which  are  connected 
with  the  richest  spiritual  blessings,  and  he  had  reason  to 
rejoice  that  the  practice  of  the  doctrine  was  attended  with 
such  blessings  to  his  people.  The  meetings  alluded  to, 
were  indirectly  productive  of  good  to  many  children 
whose  parents  were  not  professed  believers.  Such  parents 
were  led  to  inquire,  and  in  some  instances  with  deep 
solicitude,  "  Are  those  children  who  have  been  dedicated 
to  God  in  baptism,  the  heirs,  on  account  of  the  covenant 
relations  of  their  parents,  of  blessings  which  in  no  sense 
belong  to  ours?  Are  we  not  then  guilty,  and  may  we 
not  be  accounted  the  abettors,  if  not  the  authors  of  their 
ruin?"  By  some  parents  in  this  state  of  mind,  the  desire 
was  signified  that  their  children  might  attend  the  meetings. 
Dr.  Porter  often  expressed  the  conviction,  as  the  result  of 
his  observation  while  a  pastor,  that  believing  parents  can 
in  no  way  more  cfTectually  admonish  unbelievers  and  ex- 
cite them  to  reflection,  than  by  a  due  observance  of  the 
duties  they  covenant  to  perform  in  the  dedication  of  their 
children  in  baptism. 

As  connected  with  his  other  efforts  for  the  spiritual 
benefit  of  the  young.  Dr.  Porter  placed  a  very  high  value 
on  systematic  catechetical  instruction.  A  quotation  from 
his  Memoir  of  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  will  best  exhibit  his 
views  on  this  subject.  Having  alluded  to  the  fact  that 
Rev.  Dr.  Bellamy,  "  pressed  as  he  was  with  the  labors  of 
the  study,  the  care  of  the  churches,  and  of  students  in 
theology,"  was  accustomed  to  devote  the  intervals  between 
divine  service  on  the  Sabbath,  to  catechetical  instruction 
of  the  children  of  his  parish,  accommodating  himself  to 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  I95 


their  capacities,  and  exhibiting  the  simplicity  and  kindness 
best  suited  to  affect  their  hearts,  he  adds, — "  Let  it  not  be 
thought  foreign  to  the  design  of  these  pages  to  say  that  so 
eminent  an  example  is  worthy  of  imitation.  Among  the 
excellent  ministers  that  adorn  the  churches  of  our  country, 
probably  there  are  too  few,  who  suitably  blend  the  labors 
of  the  study  with  the  details  of  pastoral  duty.  We  have 
deemed  it  more  honorable  to  speculate  than  to  act.  We 
have  sunk  the  catcchist  into  tiie  metaphi/sician.  Our 
champions  have  not  learned  the  blessed  art  of  building 
the  walls  of  Jerusalem  with  one  hand,  while  they  wield 
the  polemic  pen  with  the  other.  Men  of  the  world  reverse 
this  proceeding.  They  rely  more  upon  action  than  upon 
speculation.  The  latter  has  its  use  in  the  affairs  of  hus- 
bandry, commerce  and  war.  But  it  is  action  that  gives 
men  bread ;  that  builds  and  mans  fleets ;  that  establishes 
and  overturns  empires.  Nothing  but  systematic  and  vigor- 
ous action  can  repair  the  waste  places  of  the  church,  and 
make  her  comely  as  Jerusalem,  and  terrible  as  an  army 
with  banners.  If  Christian  ministers  should  unite  for 
example,  in  the  work  of  catechising  children  and  youth, 
and  carry  it  to  its  highest  practicable  extent,  what  an 
incalculable  amount  of  good  would  be  accomplished !  In 
every  place  almost,  it  would  attach  the  hearts  of  old  and 
young  to  their  pastor.  It  would  assist  him  in  adapting 
the  instructions  of  the  pulpit  to  the  capacities  of  his 
hearers,  and  have  a  tendency  to  render  his  sermons 
serious,  plain  and  profitable.  It  would  enable  him  to 
turn  to  the  best  account  his  pastoral  visits,  and,  in  some 
of  those  precious  moments  that  are  too  often  wasted,  on 
such  occasions,  to  drop  a  serious  remark  that  would  fix 
an  indelible  impression  on  the  infant  mind. 

"  The  system  of  catechising  as  practised  in  Scotland, 
has  been  productive  of  the  most  salutary  consequences, 
and  probably  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  that  in  this  country 


196 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


more  has  been  done  to  promote  correct  religious  opinions, 
by  that  little  manual  called  the  Assembly's  Catechism, 
than  by  any  other  mere  human  composition." 

Since  these  remarks  of  Dr.  Poiter  were  written,  proba- 
bly the  majority  of  pastors  in  this  country,  have  been 
more  awake  than  formerly,  to  the  religious  instruction  of 
the  young.  But  their  efforts  have  been  chiefly  in  the  way 
of  promoting  Sabbath  schools,  and  until  quite  recently,  it 
must  be  acknowledged,  very  much  to  the  exclusion  of  the 
Assembly's  Catechism.  Though  many  of  our  Sabbath 
school  books  are  of  excellent  character  and  tendency,  it 
is  matter  of  devout  thanksgiving  that  a  disposition  is 
again  manifesting  itself,  to  restore  this  manual  to  the 
place  assigned  to  it  by  Bellamy,  and  other  venerable  men 
of  past  generations. 

Dr.  Porter's  labors  for  the  benefit  of  children  and  youth 
soon  rendered  him  the  object  of  their  confidence  and 
affection.  At  the  same  time  parents  were  induced  by 
the  interest  he  manifested  in  their  families,  to  seek  and 
confide  in  his  counsel  in  relation  to  their  own  duties. 
A  "great  door  and  effectual"  was  thus  opened,  which 
a  different  course  of  conduct  might  have  closed  against 
him.  Soon  after  his  settlement,  at  a  time  when  fondness 
for  amusement  was  very  prevalent  among  the  youth  of  his 
parish,  several  pious  mothers  sought  his  advice  in  refer- 
ence to  the  best  mode  of  counteracting  this  propensity  in 
their  daughters.  His  reply  was, — "  Let  those  mothers, 
whose  daughters  are  often  together,  frequently  meet 
for  prayer,  and  conversation  respecting  their  duties  as 
mothers;" — thus  recommending  in  effect,  what  subse- 
quent experience  has  shown  to  be  invaluable, — Maternal 
Associations.  This  advice  was  followed,  with  peculiarly 
gratifying  results.  The  estimate  which  Dr.  Porter  was 
accustomed  to  place  on  the  value  of  maternal  influence, 
may  be  inferred  from  the  following  remarks  which,  in 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  197 


substance,  he  sometimes  made  to  his  pupils  when  about 
leaving  the  theological  seminary.  "  You  will  have  your 
names  often  cast  out  as  evil,  your  motives  misrepresented, 
your  labors  impeded,  and  disappointment  often  weighing 
heavily  on  your  spirits.  But  in  the  midst  of  your  deepest 
depression  remember  this,  if  you  so  conduct  yourselves  in 
the  simplicity  of  the  gospel,  as  to  gain  the  confidence  of 
the  pious  females  of  your  congregations ;  if  you  surround 
yourselves  with  a  shield  of  mothers'  hearts,  you  will  be 
safe  from  all  the  assaults  of  your  adversaries." 

With  the  commencement  of  Dr.  Porter's  pastoral  rela- 
tions, began  a  course  of  effort  to  imbue  his  church  with 
systematic  doctrinal  instruction.  On  their  being  rooted 
and  grounded  in  the  truth,  depended  entirely  his  hope  of 
ultimate  success.  He  had  too  much  native  discernment, 
and  had  too  faithfully  studied  the  Word  of  God,  to  anti- 
cipate permanent  union  in  feeling  and  action,  without 
union  in  sentiment ;  or  to  hope  that  without  such  union, 
the  Holy  Spirit  would  accompany  his  ministrations  exten- 
sively, with  saving  energy.  On  this  subject  his  views  are 
thus  expressed  in  a  letter : — "  The  state  of  the  church  at 

 ,  is  such  as  that  of  every  church  must  be,  when 

merely  associated  at  the  communion  table,  without  explicit 
union  in  any  declared  articles  of  faith,  and  without  any 
explicit  covenant  obligations,  hanging  loosely  together  by 
a  general,  undefined  influence  of  the  pulpit.  Oh,  it 
grieves  my  heart  to  see  such  an  assemblage  of  men  and 
women  miscalled  a  church.  I  do  not  wonder  that  Gideon, 
when  going  to  fight  Midian  and  Amalek,  because  '  the 
people  were  too  many,'  dismissed  the  promiscuous  multi- 
tude, choosing  to  rely  on  three  hundred  true  hearted  men. 
Washington  would  gladly  have  done  the  same  thing  at 
Haerlem  heights,  when  one  half  of  his  militia  scarcely 
knew  a  musket  from  a  broom-stick.  What  can  a  minister 
17* 


193 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


do,  surrounded  by  Christians  who  are  strangers  to  Chris* 
tianity.  '  The  people  are  too  many,'  the  church  doors  are 
too  wide.  Too  much  reliance  is  placed  on  numbers,  too 
little  on  character.  Knowledge,  piety,  zeal,  love — not 
numbers,  give  strength  to  a  cliurch.  God  cannot  bless  a 
church  that  has  no  fellowship  of  hearts,  no  discipline.  At 
best,  the  richest  blessing  He  can  bestow  on  it  is,  to  send 
His  Spirit  like  a  mighty,  rushing  wind,  to  overturn  it  from 
the  bottom." 

Next  to  systematic  doctrinal  instruction,  as  a  means  of 
promoting  growth  in  piety.  Dr.  Porter  relied  on  activity  in 
Christian  effort.  He  made  it,  therefore,  one  of  his  first 
objects  as  a  pastor,  to  keep  the  energies  of  his  church  ac- 
tively employed.  A  plan  of  a  society  is  found  among  his 
papers,  evidently  of  an  early  date,  from  which  a  few 
paragraphs  are  quoted,  in  confirmation  of  this  remark. 

"  God  has  made  every  man  responsible  for  the  use  or 
abuse  of  his  influence  among  his  fellow  men.  To  the 
whole  extent  of  that  influence,  he  is  sacredly  bound  to 
promote  the  happiness  of  others,  and  to  set  his  face  against 
those  practices  which  tend  to  interrupt  the  public  pros- 
perity, or  to  destroy  the  health,  reputation,  or  usefulness 
of  individuals.  In  a  world  overspread  with  depravity — 
where  sinful  passions  often  triumph  over  all  regard  to 
interest,  conscience,  reason,  and  religion,  many  have  been 
hurried  on  to  shame  and  ruin,  who  perhaps  might  have 
been  saved,  by  a  single  admonition  seasonably  and  faithfully 
administered.  Many  a  promising  youth  has  been  blasted 
by  a  slow  progress  in  iniquity,  which  might  have  been 
easily  checked.  Many  a  parent's  heart  has  bled  over  a 
child  betrayed  by  temptation,  and  lost  to  himself  and  the 
world  :  betrayed  perhaps  by  the  example  of  that  same 
parent.    In  such  a  state  of  things,  which  will  always, 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  199 


more  or  less  exist  in  this  world,  much  good  may  be  done 
by  a  single  individual  of  proper  character.  Much  more 
may  be  done  by  a  society  of  such  individuals,  united  upon 
benevolent  and  honorable  principles,  actuated  by  a  steady, 
sound  judgment,  and  elevated  above  the  reproaches  of 
trifling  or  depraved  minds.  '  Vice  is  a  cowardly  thing. 
It  will  soon  shrink  before  those  who  boldly  oppose  it.' 
Though  the  laws  of  this  State  against '  vice  and  immorality' 
are  excellent,  they  cannot  in  all  cases  reach  the  root  of 
those  evils  which  spring  up  in  society  ;  nor  in  any  case 
can  they  effectually  restrain  these  evils,  unless  the  sound 
part  of  the  community  afford  a  vigorous  support  to  execu- 
tive officers.  Impressed  with  these  sentiments,  a  number 
of  individuals  in  Washington  hereby  associate  in  the  form 
of  a  moral  society. 

"  At  each  meeting  the  clerk  shall  read  over  the  follow- 
ing list  of  inquiries  to  be  attended  to. 

"  Is  there  any  case  of  special  poverty  among  us  ? 
What  is  the  cause  of  it?    Can  any  remedy  be  devised? 

"  Is  there  any  case  of  special  affiiction  ?  Can  any  relief 
be  afforded  ? 

**  Is  there  any  case  of  contention  ?  What  may  be  done 
to  heal  it  ? 

"  Is  there  any  special  disorder  in  morals,  or  manners? 
What  may  be  done  to  suppress  it? 

"  If  mild  and  prudent  persuasion  should  prove  inef- 
fectual, we  will,  without  scruple  ox  ceremony  inform  against 
any  merchant  or  other  person,  tliat  we  shall  know  to  have 
violated  the  laws  in  relation  to  the  sale  of  ardent  spirits. 
And  if,  upon  proper  representation,  the  society  become 
satisfied,  that  any  merchant  encourages  idleness  and 
intemperance  by  giving  away  spirits  promiscuously,  we 
will  wholly  withdraw  the  custom  of  our  families  from  the 
store  where  this  is  done,  till  there  shall  be  good  evidence 


200 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


of  reformation  ;  unless  in  some  exempt  case,  the  society 
shall  allow  a  departure  from  this  latter  regulation." 

Dr.  Porter  adopted  the  mode  of  preaching  best  suited  to 
impress  on  his  hearers  correct  and  connected  views  of 
scriptural  doctrine.  It  is  the  less  necessary  to  attempt 
an  atcndcd  analysis  of  his  mode  of  sermonizing,  since 
in  his  Lectures  on  Preaching,  he  has  presented  at 
length  the  rules  which  he  deemed  it  advisable  others 
should  follow.  It  would  be  injustice  to  him  to  suppose 
that  he  did  not  conform  his  own  practice  to  the  rules  he 
prescribed  for  others. 

His  discourses  were  in  sentiment  decidedly  evangelical ; 
in  structure  simple ;  in  style  perspicuous,  chaste,  and 
vigorous;  in  argument  candid  and  convincing;  in  spirit 
serious,  affectionate,  and  earnest ;  in  application  direct, 
pungent,  powerful.  Above  all  efforts  at  display,  his  ser- 
mons prepared  in  the  ordinary  course  of  ministerial  duty, 
are  marked  by  a  clear  and  affecting  exhibition  of  Christ 
and  him  crucified  ;  often  bringing  to  view  the  distinguish- 
ing doctrines  of  the  gospel  in  a  manner  adapted  alike  to 
show  the  perfections  of  God,  and  the  character  and  obli- 
gations of  moral  agents.  In  general  they  will  appropri- 
ately fall  into  the  class  which,  in  his  lectures,  he  has 
chosen  to  denominate  doctrino-practical.  They  were 
generally  written  in  full,  but  in  the  early  part  of  his 
ministry,  in  a  small  hand,  and  with  numerous  abbrevia- 
tions—  an  error  in  consequence  of  which  much  of  his  early 
labor  was  lost :  and  against  which  he  used  to  caution  his 
pupils,  advising  them  in  preparing  their  sermons  to  employ 
a  fair  hand,  and  an  open  page.  He  was  systematic  both 
in  his  choice  of  subjects,  and  his  mode  of  discussion. 
He  read  and  thought,  to  use  his  own  expression,  as  a 
preacher,  and  all  his  intellectual  exercises  had  reference 
to  this  one  grand  business  of  his  life.    He  was  accustomed 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  201 


in  his  general  reading,  to  keep  memoranda  of  interesting 
facts,  in  a  blank  book  always  at  hand  for  the  purpose, 
with  the  view  of  increasing  the  richness  and  instructiveness 
of  his  sermons.  He  once  remarked  to  the  writer,  that 
"if  there  was  any  thing  attractive  in  his  sermons,  it  was 
chiefly  owing,  in  his  view,  to  the  variety  and  appropriate- 
ness of  illustration  which,  by  this  process,  he  had  acquired 
the  ability  to  employ" — an  opinion  in  which  most  will 
concur  who  enjoyed  frequent  opportunities  of  hearing  his 
pulpit  performances.  His  sermons  were  occasionally 
enlivened  by  the  introduction  of  exquisite  moral  painting. 

In  this  connection  a  fact  ought  perhaps  to  be  stated,  of 
some  interest  in  the  early  history  of  Dr.  Porter's  vocal 
powers.  For  some  time  after  he  commenced  preaching 
he  paid  comparatively  little  attention  to  their  cultivation, 
the  result  of  which  was  a  monotony  so  inveterate  as  to 
awaken  solicitude  lest  through  the  force  of  habit,  he  might 
loose  the  ability  to  moduJate  his  voice.  This  solicitude 
led  to  the  determination,  that  he  would,  whatever  labor  it 
might  require,  break  up  the  habits  he  had  contracted,  and 
gain  such  command  of  his  voice  as  he  deemed  indispen- 
sable to  the  highest  effect  in  public  speaking.  He  made 
the  effort ;  but  found  it  indispensable  to  complete  success, 
entirely  to  remodel  his  style  of  writing.  An  additional 
motive  to  persevere  in  this  determination,  was  furnished 
after  a  few  years,  by  the  enfeebled  state  of  his  lungs,  which 
compelled  him  either  to  relinquish  public  speaking,  or  to 
limit  with  great  precision  the  quantity  of  his  voice  in  the 
pulpit  The  control  of  his  vocal  powers  which  he  eventu- 
ally obtained,  is  perhaps  acquired,  to  an  equal  extent,  by 
but  few  in  any  profession,  though  the  debilitated  state  of 
his  system  obviously  much  diminished  the  attractiveness 
and  power  of  his  delivery.  Indeed  he  says  in  reference  to 
this  point, — "  My  animal  frame  has  seldom  been  able  for 
many  years,  to  sustain  that  degree  of  emotion  which  is 


202 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


often  desirable  in  (he  pulpit,  and  a  sense  of  duty  has 
required  me  to  restrain  those  feelings,  on  which  the  satis- 
faction and  success  of  a  preacher's  labors  greatly  depend." 

Dr.  Porter's  parochial  labors  were  performed  with 
system.  He  frequently  announced  from  the  pulpit  his 
intended  visits  to  particular  districts  of  his  parish,  that  his 
people  might  be  in  readiness  to  receive  him,  and  thus 
prevent  a  waste  of  time.  On  such  occasions,  his  easy, 
unostentatious,  and  uniformly  kind  deportment,  secured 
liim  a  cordial  welcome  as  a  friend,  while  his  benevolent 
regard  for  their  best  interests,  won  him  their  confidence 
and  affection  in  the  more  sacred  character  of  an  ambas- 
sador from  God.  The  passing  events  of  Providence  he 
rarely  failed  to  improve,  to  the  spiritual  advantage  of  his 
people.  The  very  determination  that  they  should  be  thus 
improved,  exerted  upon  himself  a  salutary  influence, 
inciting  him  to  habits  of  careful  observation  ;  of  wakeful- 
ness and  diligence. 

The  seal  of  divine  approbation  was  placed  on  his  labors 
from  the  commencement  of  his  ministry,  in  a  gradual  but 
steady  increase  of  his  church  ;  especially  in  the  improve- 
ment of  its  spiritual  character.  It  was  not  however,  until 
the  eighth  year  of  his  ministry  that  his  people  were  visited 
with  a  general  revival.  He  now  felt  that  he  was  gathering 
the  fruits  of  protracted  and  anxious  labor,  and  that  no  part 
of  the  harvest  should  be  lost  which  human  instrumentality 
could  secure.  During  this  season  probably,  was  laid  the 
foundation  of  the  bodily  suffering,  from  which  he  was 
scarcely  allowed  exemption,  even  for  a  day,  to  the  close  of 
his  life.  The  account  of  this  revival  written  by  himself, 
and  published  in  the  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine, 
is  subjoined,  as  tending  happily  to  illustrate  the  aspect  of 
his  character  we  are  now  considering ;  especially  as 
exhibiting  his  views,  feelings,  and  practice,  while  passing 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  203 


through  a  scene  full  of  interest  to  every  faithful  pastor's 
heart ; — a  scene,  of  which  as  connected  with  similar 
scenes  in  other  communities,  his  subsequent  publications 
prove  him  to  have  been  an  anxious  and  accurate  observer. 

"To  the  Editors  of  the  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine. 

"Gentlemen, 

"  Want  of  health  has  hitherto  prevented  any  com- 
munication from  me,  respecting  the  late  special  work  of 
God  in  this  place.  The  same  cause  still  requires  me  to 
be  less  particular,  in  the  details  of  that  work,  than,  in 
other  circumstances,  might  have  been  desirable.  Many 
things  which,  at  the  time,  conspired  to  interest  the  heart, 
have  now  lost  their  impression.  No  more  than  a  general 
outline  can  be  attempted :  and  this,  consistently  with 
our  obligations  to  infinite  mercy,  cannot  be  withheld. 
Though  this  church  has  enjoyed  a  preached  gospel,  with 
very  little  interruption,  since  its  formation,  a  period  of 
sixty-four  years,  nothing  that  could  properly  be  termed  a 
revival  of  religion,  had  ever  taken  place,  until  the  present. 
In  the  vacancy,  immediately  preceding  my  ordination, 
there  was,  in  one  part  of  the  society,  more  than  usual  at- 
tention ;  and  a  number  united  with  the  church.  In  the 
three  succeeding  years,  including  1799,  twenty-three 
persons  more  were  added.  During  the  four  next  years, 
only  ten  persons  made  a  public  profession  of  religion. 
Death  and  removals  were  rapidly  thinning  our  numbers  ; 
and  there  was  room  for  solemn  apprehension,  that  soon  a 
solitary  few  would  meet  at  the  communion  table ;  and  our 
Zion  be  left  to  mourn  that  by  multitudes,  her  'solemn 
feasts  and  her  Sabbaths  were  forgotten.' — Though  this 
people  have  long  been  accustomed  to  a  decent  attendance 
on  public  worship,  and  though  as  free,  probably,  as 
almost  any  other,  from  open  immoralities ;  it  ought  to  be 
acknowledged  with  humility,  that,  at  the  period  above 


304 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


mentioned,  the  influence  of  vital  religion  amongst  us, 
was  externally  low.  Many  hearts  were  locked  up  in  im- 
penetrable stupidity.  Many  families  had  no  altar  for  God. 
Many  parents  seem  to  behold  their  dear  offspring  going 
in  the  ways  that  lead  to  destruction,  without  uttering  one 
warning  or  offering  one  prayer,  for  their  eternal  salvation. 
Out  of  the  church,  was  to  be  seen  a  general  carelessness 
— in  it,  a  spirit  of  deep  slumber;  want  of  discipline; 
want  of  active,  brotherly  love ;  want  of  Christian  watch- 
fulness, faithfulness,  prayerfulness  ;  want  of  every  thing 
almost,  but  a  cold,  cold  profession.  My  heart  aches,  at 
the  remembrance  ;  and  trembles,  under  the  apprehension 
that  such  a  season  may  return. 

"A  glimmering  hope  of  better  things  was  enjoyed,  for 
a  short  time,  in  the  winter  of  1801.  A  weekly  church 
conference  was  attended  regularly,  about  two  months; 
when  it  declined,  till  it  entirely  ceased.  The  same  un- 
pleasant result  attended  every  similar  undertaking,  the 
winter  following.  After  a  few  weeks,  some  other  object 
engrossed  the  attention,  and  the  conference  was  for- 
gotten. At  a  leisure  season,  and  on  one  of  the  finest 
evenings  in  the  year,  when  it  was  to  have  been  at- 
tended at  my  house,  not  an  individual  came.  It  seemed 
as  though  an  offended  God  were  about  to  seal  us  up 
under  the  holy  rebuke,  "sleep  on  now  and  take  your 
rest." — That  the  only  hope  of  self-destroying  men  is 
the  sovereign  mercy  of  God,  I  had  long  believed  and 
often  felt  in  some  measure,  but  had  never  so  deeply  felt 
before.  Means,  however,  were  not  to  be  neglected.  For 
several  years,  previous  to  this,  endeavors  had  been  used 
to  interest  the  church  in  behalf  of  the  rising  generation. 
Early  in  the  summer  of  1802,  special  meetings  were  ap- 
pointed for  the  youth:  but  not  until  the  express  appro- 
bation and  support  of  the  church  had  been  engaged  in 
favor  of  the  object :  as  it  was  foreseen  that  without  this. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  OqS 

no  permanent  good  would  be  effected.  These  meetings 
were  attended  every  other  week,  in  the  form  of  a  theo- 
logical school.  At  each  meeting,  a  question,  in  the  order 
of  a  system,  was  given  :  accompanied  with  an  extem- 
porary lecture ;  or  with  notice  that  a  sermon  would  be 
adapted  to  the  subject,  on  the  following  Sabbath.  When 
the  latter  course  was  taken,  an  unusual  attention  was  ap- 
parent in  the  youth,  as  well  as  in  many  others.  At  the 
meeting,  succeeding  that  on  which  the  question  was 
given,  the  papers  that  had  been  written  by  the  youth, 
were  received  and  read  publicly.  After  a  number  of 
practical,  solemn  remarks  on  the  last  question,  another 
was  given,  in  the  same  manner.  From  respect  to  the 
delicacy  of  the  writers,  their  papers  were  received  so  as 
to  leave  the  author  of  each  one  unknown  to  every  other. 
With  the  same  precaution,  they  were  returned;  having 
been  reviewed  at  leisure,  such  corrections  or  remarks  as 
were  thought  necessary,  being  made  on  them  in  writing. 
— These  meetings,  begun  with  faint  expectations,  suc- 
ceeded to  my  joy  and  astonishment.  They,  in  some 
degree,  substituted  solid  improvement  for  the  ordinary 
levities  of  young  people :  they  excited  a  relish  for  profit- 
able conversation,  reading,  and  reflection :  they  furnished 
the  mind  with  useful  ideas,  not  only  increased,  but  ren- 
dered the  more  permanent  by  the  labor  of  acquiring  them  : 
and  what  is  most  important  of  all,  they  opened  an  avenue 
for  the  solemn  influence  of  truth,  by  a  divine  blessing,  to 
reach  the  conscience  and  the  heart.  A  respectable  num- 
ber usually  attended  on  these  occasions ;  and  twelve  or 
fifteen  often  wrote  on  the  same  question.  It  was  surpris- 
ing to  witness  the  progress,  made  by  some  of  these,  not 
only  in  correct  writing,  but  in  doctrinal  knowledge.  For 
three  successive  summers  these  pleasant  and  profitable 
meetings  were  continued  ;  when  it  was  the  will  of  an  hoJ^ 
God  to  suspend  them,  through  my  impaired  health.  To 
18 


206 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


that  will  I  desire  to  bow  submissively,  while  I  feel  this 
allotment  as  the  severest  trial  of  my  life. 

"Near  the  close  of  the  summer  1803,  things  began  to 
wear  a  brighter  aspect.  Several  persons  became  seriously 
impressed.  At  the  request  of  six  or  eight  brethren  of  the 
church,  weekly  conferences  were  revived.  There  was, 
thenceforward,  no  more  difficulty  to  maintain  them.  Dur- 
ing the  winter,  the  operations  of  the  divine  Spirit  were 
discernible,  in  a  part  of  the  society.  The  church,  which 
had  appeared  to  languish,  as  with  a  wasting  hectic,  put 
on  the  aspect  of  returning  health.  Through  the  next 
spring  and  summer,  though  thirteen  had  been  added  to 
Christ's  visible  family,  we  were  still  betwixt  hope  a:nd 
fear.  God's  people  longed  for  a  revival,  rather  than 
expected  it.  Scarcely  did  they  dare  to  believe  that  so 
blessed  a  season  was  already  begun ;  and  that  the  day 
had  indeed  dawned,  which  was  to  succeed  a  night  of 
more  than  sixty  years.  In  the  autumn,  the  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness arose  upon  us,  with  healing  and  salvation  in  his 
wings.  As  in  another  '  valley  of  the  son  of  Hinnom,' 
there  was  a  great  shaking.  Dry  bones  animated  by  the 
breath  of  the  Almighty,  stood  up  new-born  believers. 
Numbers,  like  the  smitten  Saul  were  ready  to  say  :  '  Lord 
what  wilt  thou  have  us  to  do?'  While  the  children  of 
Zion,  beheld  with  overflowing  hearts,  and  with  thankful 
tongues  acknowledged,  '  This  is  the  finger  of  God.' 
The  work  was  stamped,  conspicuously,  with  the  impress 
of  its  Divine  Author :  and  its  joyful  effects,  evinced  no 
other  than  the  agency  of  omnipotence.  Every  Sabbath 
exhibited  the  striking  contrast  betwixt  a  time  of  stupidity 
and  a  time  of  attention,  among  a  people.  Many  who  had 
frequented  the  sanctuary  from  custom,  or  curiosity,  un- 
moved by  all  that  is  joyful  or  alarming  in  the  gospel  ; 
whose  attention  had  been  more  occupied  with  a  new  face, 
or  a  neio  fashion,  than  with  the  eternal  interests  of  their 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  207 


own  souls,  were  now  in  the  attitude  of  anxious  and  solemn 
inquirers,  listening  to  the  instructions  of  the  pulpit.  At 
conferences,  people  collected  as  though  awake  and  in  earn- 
est. Even  those,  whom  age  and  infirmity  might  well  have 
excused,  were  often  seen  miles  from  home,  at  an  evening 
meeting.  On  some  of  these  occasions,  the  crowd  which 
came  together,  reminded  one  of  the  assembly  in  Caper- 
naum, when  '  there  was  not  room  to  receive  them,  no, 
not  so  much  as  about  the  doors.'  Before  the  beginning  of 
winter,  the  solemnity  had  extended  to  almost  every  part 
of  the  place.  So  manifestly  was  it  the  work  of  God,  that 
opposition,  however  it  might  have  rankled  in  the  bosom  of 
individuals,  was  awed  into  silence.  Many  old  professors, 
amidst  the  majesty  and  glory  of  the  scene,  seemed  unable 
to  contain,  and  equally  unable  to  express,  the  wonder  and 
joy  of  their  hearts.  In  them,  slumber,  at  such  a  season, 
could  hardly  have  been  less  than  the  lethargy  of  death. 
Thursday  lectures,  principally  preached  by  neighboring 
ministers,  were  attended  for  several  months  with  great 
solemnity  and  profit.  A  weekly  prayer  meeting  was  also 
set  up  ;  which  is  since  devoted  to  a  special  remembrance 
of  the  rising  generation,  the  first  week  in  every  month. 
During  a  winter,  unusually  severe,  nothing  could  surpass 
the  resolution  with  which  numbers  attended  to  be  instruct- 
ed in  the  way  of  salvation.  From  the  extremity  of  the 
season,  apprehensions  were  entertained  for  persons  of 
delicate  constitutions  :  but  the  people  were  seldom,  or 
never  more  healthy. 

"  As  the  fruit  of  this  precious  and  memorable  season, 
fifty-four  persons  have  been  added  to  the  church,  none  of 
whom,  blessed  be  God,  have,  in  their  subsequent  conduct, 
been  left  to  discredit  their  holy  profession.*    In  conse- 

*  A  valuable  testimony  to  the  importance  of  doctrinal  instruction. 
Dr.  Porter  used  to  mention  the  fact,  when  speaking  of  the  lamenta- 
ble defections  of  hopeful  converts  in  more  modern  revivals,  that 


208 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


quence  of  such  an  accession,  the  situation  of  the  church 
was  thought  to  require  that  two  new  deacons  should  be 
chosen.  This  occasion,  while  it  exhibited  a  prevailing, 
and  very  pleasing  unanimity  in  the  church,  was  rendered 
the  more  interesting  by  a  rare  concurrence  of  circum- 
stances. The  vote  of  the  brethren  designated  two  young 
men  to  the  office,  twin-brothers,  very  exactly  resembling 
each  other,  having  joined  the  church  together  about  ten 
years  before ;  and  having  married  sisters,  who  are  also 
sisters  in  the  church. 

"  It  would  be  more  important  to  delineate,  particularly, 
the  nature  and  fruits  of  this  work,  did  it  not  bear  so  strong 
affinity,  in  these  respects,  to  the  revivals  once  and  again 
described  heretofore  in  your  Magazine.  Without  an  ex- 
ception, its  special  subjects  were  calm,  and  silent  in 
their  exercises ;  and  embraced  that  system  of  religious 
sentiments  commonly  acknowledged  and  received  in  our 
churches.  Before  this  awakening,  it  was  sometimes  with 
difficulty  that  we  could  sing  a  sacramental  hymn.  After 
so  many  dear  and  promising  youth,  and  among  these  so 
respectable  a  portion  of  the  singers,  had  been  called  into 
the  church,  our  next  communion  left  impressions  in  many 
bosoms,  which  can  never,  never  be  effaced.  Cold  must 
have  been  the  heart,  on  that  occasion,  not  to  have  felt 
Avhat  words  cannot  express.  The  recollection  of  these 
scenes  excites  joy ;  but  joy  mingled  with  pain.  Alas!  that 
any,  who  are  perishing  with  a  mortal  disease,  should 
slight  so  fair  an  opportunity  to  find  the  great  Physician, 
and  the  healing  balm  of  the  gospel !  That  season  of 
special  mercy  is  past;  we  have  too  many,  and  too  mourn- 
ful evidences  that  it  is  past.  At  least  a  thousand  precious 
immortal  souls  remain,  whose  situation  it  becomes  not  a 

during  his  ministry,  not  one,  to  his  knowledge,  whom  he  had 
regarded  as  giving  evidence  of  piety,  ever  ceased  to  afford  that 
evidence. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  209 


fallible  fellow-creature  to  decide,  but  who,  at  present,  do 
not  profess  to  have  any  solid  grounds  of  hope,  beyond  the 
grave.  Oh,  that  the  God  of  mercy  may  vouchsafe  his 
gracious  and  powerful  presence  to  this  dear  flock  ;  and 
that  this  time  of  solemn  and  sweet  refreshing,  may  be 
but  the  spring  of  a  more  prosperous  summer,  and  a  more 
glorious  harvest ! 

"  From  the  commencement  of  this  work  to  its  visible 
decline,  was  more  than  eighteen  months.  One  thing 
which  it  has  impressed  more  deeply  than  ever  on  my 
mind,  is  the  benefit  of  religious  conferences.  These 
meetings,  though  frequent,  seemed  not  at  all  to  interfere 
with  nece.ssary,  temporal  employments.  An  increased 
industry  could  easily  redeem  the  time  devoted  to  this 
purpose,  from  unprofitable  or  foolish  pursuits.  Such  as 
have  been  the  real  and  happy  subjects  of  this  work,  and 
have  so  often  met  to  pray,  and  praise,  and  converse,  when 
they  shall  be  numbered  with  the  saints  of  the  Most  High, 
in  the  glories  of  his  everlasting  kingdom,  will  doubtless 
remember  with  transport,  these  small  portions  of  time, 
big  with  eternal  joy.  In  days  like  these,  lowering  with 
dark  prospects  over  the  church,  and  over  the  world, 
Christians,  especially  Christians  who  can  meet  in  one 
half  hour,  most  certainly  ought  not  to  live  like  strangers. 

"The  religious  instruction  of  children  and  youth  is 
another  subject,  the  importance  of  which  has  been  render- 
ed more  strikingly  apparent  in  this  revival.  Of  the  num- 
ber, added  to  the  church,  about  three-fourths  had  sprung 
from  professedly  pious  parents.  Before  this  season,  as  is 
mentioned  above,  more  than  ordinary  attention  had  been 
paid  to  the  rising  generation.  Beside  the  meetings  of  the 
young  people,  the  church,  as  a  church,  had  appointed  a 
catechising  committee,  to  assist  the  pastor  in  teaching 
the  children.  These  catechisings  have  been  since  regu- 
larly attended,  during  the  summer  season,  between  the 
18* 


910 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


services  on  every  other  Sabbath ;  the  children  being 
classed  according  to  their  knowledge.* 

"  The  period  from  twelve  to  twenty  is  eminently  the 
learning  and  the  forming  age.  Perhaps  no  other  equal 
period,  so  often  determines  the  character  for  life  and  the 
state  for  eternity.  Still  this  golden  period  is  often  spent 
so  as  to  be  no  better,  or  even  worse  than  a  blank.  Little 
is  learned  but  what  requires  the  labor  of  a  life  to  unlearn. 
Ought  not  something  to  be  done,  or  at  least  seriously 
attempted,  for  a  reformation  in  this  respect  1  While 
infidelity  is  searching  out  every  avenue  for  infusing  its 
deadly  poison  into  tlie  minds  of  the  young,  is  it  not 
matter  of  concern  and  surprise,  that  their  religious  in- 
struction should  not  have  had  more  share  in  the  thoughts, 
the  conversation,  the  prayers  of  God's  people?  Do  not 
the  signs  of  the  times  summon  ministers  and  Christians 
generally  to  exertions  more  united,  and  more  corres- 
pondent with  an  object  of  such  acknowledged  and  im- 
mense importance?  Surely  it  is  no  reason  for  Zion's 
friends  to  count  up  discouragements  and  to  fold  their 
hands  in  sloth,  surrounded  as  they  are  with  such  alarming 
proofs  that  Zion's  foes  neither  slumber  nor  sleep.  Does 
not  sin  lie  at  the  door  of  our  churches?     Is  not  one 


"  *  In  the  full  of  the  year  there  is  an  annual  catechising,  when 
every  child  that  has  attended  the  stated  catecliisings,  through  the 
season,  receives  some  religious  tract,  purchased  with  money  drawn 
from  the  church  treasury,  and  corresponding  in  value  with  the 
child's  progress.  The  names  of  such  as  learn  the  catechism  through, 
are  also  entered  on  the  church  records.  This  is  designed  both  as  a 
direct  excitement  to  the  children,  and  as  a  document,  which  may 
be  interesting  at  future  periods  of  tliis  church.  It  is  found  that  the 
catecliisings  of  the  church,  of  families,  and  schools,  mutually  pro- 
mote each  other.  From  the  register  of  the  schools,  in  which  is 
preserved  their  comparative  improvements  in  tlie  various  branches 
of  instruction,  it  appears  that  in  six  of  our  district  schools,  e.xam- 
ined  in  the  close  of  the  last  winter,  the  number  of  children  that 
were  able  to  repeat  the  Assembly's  Catechism  through,  was  lOl" 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  211 


important  end  of  infant  baptism  too  much  forgotten  ?  If 
it  is  a  grand  design  of  this  ordinance  '  to  draw  the  cares 
and  prayers  of  the  whole  Christian  church,  towards  the 
rising  generation  and  their  everlasting  concerns ;  to  hold 
them  up  perpetually  before  our  eyes,  and  to  fix  them 
habitually  upon  our  hearts,'  I  apprehend  that  no  subject 
of  equal  magnitude  is  so  lamentably  neglected. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully,  yours  &lc. 

"  E.  Porter." 

"  Washington,  Aug.  11,  1806." 

The  results  of  a  plan  of  labor  like  that  adopted  by 
Dr.  Porter,  it  could  not  be  expected  would  be  fully  re- 
alized during  so  short  a  ministry  as  his.  Much  of  his 
strength  was  expended  in  the  execution  of  the  first  part 
of  his  plan.  Had  he  continued  his  pastoral  labors,  his 
hopes,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  would  doubtless  have  been 
realized  in  the  conversion  of  many  souls;  in  the  formation 
of  a  numerous,  intelligent,  stable,  and  active  church;  and 
in  the  diffusion  of  a  healthful  moral  influence  through  all 
the  relations  of  society.  To  this  his  efforts  were  obviously 
tending.  Doubtless  there  will  be  difference  of  opinion 
respecting  the  expediency  of  conducting  labors  so  much 
with  reference  to  ultimate  results.  By  many  this  reference 
will  be  thought  disproportionate,  since  a  pastor's  designs 
may  be  frustrated  by  various  contingencies,  which  human 
agency  cannot  control.  However  this  question  may  be 
decided,  the  recent  history  of  some  of  our  churches  fur- 
nishes conclusive  evidence,  that  ministerial  labor  may  be 
conducted  with  a  disproportionate  reference  to  iinmtdiate 
effects. 

Dr.  Porter  possessed  a  native  fondness  for  study,  which 
as  a  minister  he  felt  himself  bound  to  cherish.  At  his 
settlement  he  told  his  people  that  as  he  was  young  he 


212 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


must  study  to  be  in  the  highest  degree  useful  to  them  ; 
and  as  a  preliminary  step,  he  claimed  the  right,  and 
secured  the  admission  of  the  claim  on  their  part,  of  the 
entire  control  of  his  time.  To  love  of  study  he  united 
habits  of  patient  and  persevering  application,  formed 
under  the  determination,  by  divine  assistance,  to  "  show 
himself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needed  not 
to  be  ashamed."  The  course  of  study  he  prescribed  for 
himself  was  enlarged,  and  was  pursued  with  correspond- 
ing decision  and  industry.  He  tasked  himself  to  devote 
twelve  hours  a  day  to  professional  study.  In  performing 
this  task,  he  often  allowed  himself  to  encroach  upon  time 
which  should  have  been  devoted  to  sleep, — a  practice 
which  he  afterwards  regarded  as  having  been  very  inju- 
rious to  him,  and  against  which  he  was  wont  earnestly 
to  warn  his  pupils.  It  would  seem,  indeed,  from  a 
resolution  on  a  former  page,  that  he  came  to  view  the 
practice  not  merely  as  inexpedient,  but  as  sinful. 

His  views  of  duty  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  led  him  also 
to  seek  improvement  in  the  society  of  intelligent  and 
pious  men ;  to  be  scrupulously  punctual  in  attending 
the  meetings  of  his  clerical  brethren,  and  other  public 
meetings  for  religious  or  literary  purposes.  Of  these 
meetings  he  was  an  interested,  active  member,  shrinking 
from  no  responsibility  which  it  was  clearly  the  will  of 
God  he  should  sustain.  And  in  his  frequent  calls  to 
important  and  difficult  service,  his  brethren  sufficiently 
evinced  their  confidence  in  his  ability  and  Christian 
principles.  Among  the  means  of  improvement  he  most 
highly  prized  while  a  pastor,  was  a  meeting  composed  of 
several  brethren  in  the  ministry,  of  feelings  kindred  to 
his  own.  To  the  meetings  of  this  body  he  often  referred 
as  seasons  peculiarly  rich  in  spiritual  and  intellectual 
enjoyment ;    and  unhesitatingly  ascribed  much  of  his 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  o|3 


usefulness  as  a  writer,  a  preacher,  and  an  instructor,  to 
their  influence. 

The  compiler  has  been  at  considerable  pains  to  as- 
certain definitely  the  e.xercises  of  this  meeting  which 
Dr.  Porter  prized  so  highly,  but  has  not  learned  that,  in 
number  or  character,  they  differed  essentially  from  those 
of  similar  meetings  which  clergymen  have  frequently 
formed  for  mutual  improvement.  The  characteristics  of 
the  meeting  which  contributed  especially  to  its  usefulness, 
appear  to  have  been  these  :  —  Its  recurrence  was  frequent — 
once  a  month ;  and  each  member  was  e.xpected  to  task  his 
powers  to  the  utmost,  in  preparing  for  its  exercises.  These 
were  so  arranged  as  fully  to  employ  the  moral  as  well  as 
the  intellectual  powers ;  and  each  member  was  obligated 
to  benefit  his  brethren  by  a  frank  and  fraternal  exposure 
of  such  faults  as  he  believed  would  unfavorably  affect  their 
growth  in  piety,  their  reputation,  or  usefulness.  Other 
gentlemen  who  have  since  occupied  stations  of  much  re- 
sponsibility in  the  church,  will  doubtless  unite  with  the 
subject  of  this  Memoir,  in  acknowledging  their  indebted- 
ness to  this  meeting.  In  writing  to  one  of  them,  many 
years  afterwards.  Dr.  Porter  remarks,  "  It  occurred  to  me 
while  reading  your  review,  that  your  training  to  the  pen, 
in  our  old  monthly  meeting,  had  further  ends  than  you 
were  then  aware  of" 

A  trait  of  Dr.  Porter's  ministerial  character  which 
perhaps  deserves  to  be  mentioned,  was  a  delicate  sense 
of  propriety,  exhibited  in  his  performances  when  called 
to  take  part  with  his  brethren  on  public  occasions;  as 
at  ordinations,  anniversaries,  &c.  Whatever  the  duty 
assigned  him  at  such  times,  it  was  rare,  indeed,  that  his 
matter,  style,  or  length,  furnished  ground  of  complaint. 
His  own  views  of  the  importance  of  appropriateness  to 
clothe  religious  services  with  the  highest  interest  on  any 
occasion,  he  labored  to  impress  upon  his  church  ;  and  that 


214 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


he  might  train  them  to  correct  habits  in  this  respect,  he 
used  in  certain  social  meetings,  to  assign  to  individuals 
subjects  of  prayer,  to  which  their  petitions  were  to  be 
confined,  with  the  understanding  that  he  would  freely 
point  out  their  failures,  and  thus  aid  them  in  the  work 
of  self-discipline.  Of  the  want  of  appropriateness  in  the 
performances  of  his  clerical  brethren,  on  occasions  like 
those  named,  he  sometimes  spoke  in  terms  of  decided 
disapprobation.  The  insertion  here  of  the  following  re- 
marks on  this  subject,  written  for  the  Panoplist,  but  never, 
as  we  believe,  communicated  for  publication,  may  in  some 
degree  subserve  the  end  for  which  they  were  prepared. 

To  tUo  Editor  of  the  Panoplist. 

"  Sir, 

"  The  ordination  of  a  minister  is  one  of  the  most 
momentous  transactions  that  men  or  angels  can  be  called 
to  witness.  Every  thing  pertaining  to  it  ought  to  be  done 
decently  and  in  order.  I  beg  leave  to  occupy  a  page  in 
your  useful  miscellany  with  remarks  upon  certain  defects 
which  1  have  sometimes  observed  in  the  method  of  con- 
ducting this  interesting  solemnity. 

"  I  think  the  religious  services  are  often,  perhaps  com- 
monly, too  long.  If  these  services  were  all  performed  by 
one  minister,  he  might  more  probably  confine  each  to  its 
proper  limits  as  to  time  and  matter  :  but  these  limits  are 
apt  to  be  forgotten  when  according  to  custom  and  pro- 
priety, the  several  parts  are  assigned  to  different  men. 
Every  speaker  rises  to  perform  his  part  with  the  same 
general  impressions  of  the  whole  subject,  and  yielding  to 
these  impressions,  is,  almost  of  course,  drawn  into  undue 
length.  The  Jirst  prayer,  for  example,  instead  of  being 
confined  to  the  few  thoughts  that  are  appropriate  at  the 
commencement  of  the  public  exercises,  is  sometimes 
extended  through  eight  or  ten  minutes,  anticipating  all 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  215 


the  topics  that  belong  to  the  prayer  of  consecration.  The 
right  hand  of  fellowship,  instead  of  being  an  affectionate 
address  to  the  new  Pastor,  concisely  introduced  with 
general  remarks,  often  interferes  with  the  province  of  the 
charge,  and  not  unfrequently  includes  a  diffuse  address  to 
the  people.  In  many  cases,  the  same  remark  as  to  undue 
length,  applies  to  the  charge,  and  the  conrludivg  prayer  : 
and  sometimes  the  sermon  continues  an  hour,  which  in  my 
opinion  is  at  least  one  quarter  too  long." 

Respecting  his  reputation  as  a  man,  and  especially  as  a 
minister,  Dr.  Porter  ever  entertained  a  lively  concern.  In 
his  view  it  was  not  enough  that  a  minister's  reputation 
should  be  unblemished  ;  it  should  be  above  suspicion. 
The  reader  of  the  preceding  narrative  cannot  have  failed 
to  notice  his  solicitude  to  prevent  unkind  feelings,  and  evil 
surmisings  among  his  people,  towards  him  as  their  pastor, 
and  towards  those  who  thought  it  his  duty  to  leave  his 
charge  for  another  field  of  labor.  Whether  he  remained 
with  his  people  or  noi,  he  considered  it  equally  important 
that  they  should  confide  in  the  purity  of  his  motives;  since 
a  suspicion  of  his  integrity  would  unavoidably  impair  their 
confidence  in  his  successor,  and  in  the  whole  body  of 
ministers.  For  the  same  reason  he  carefully  avoided 
making  such  requisitions  on  the  services  of  others, 
whether  just  or  not,  as  would  needlessly  excite  their  pre- 
judices, and  diminish  their  regard  for  ministerial  char- 
acter. Ilis  feelings  on  this  subject  are  thus  expressed  in 
a  letter  to  his  wife, — "  My  spirit  of  mechanical  invention, 
which  has  so  often  stood  me  instead  at  home  and  abroad, 
has  of  late  been  especially  useful.  For  example,  on 
entering  my  little  chamber,  where  a  fire  is  made  for  me 
this  evening,  my  first  care  is  to  wedge  my  window-sashes, 
so  that  their  rattling  shall  not  prevent  my  sleep,  nor  their 
open  crevices  expose  me  to  currents  of  air.  My  next  care 


216 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER, 


is  to  provide  myself  a  wooden  substitute  for  tongs,  and 
another  for  snuffers.  I  might  indeed  ask  and  perhaps 
obtain  these  little  accommodations,  and  my  charges  are 
sufficient  to  justify  the  claim.  But  I  never  allow  myself 
to  forget,  on  these  occasions,  that  I  am  a  minister  of  the 
gospel ;  and  probably  am  recognized  as  such  by  my  dress 
and  manners,  even  among  strangers.  This  consideration 
is  always  present  to  my  mind  on  a  journey.  In  one  case, 
when  an  ostler  had  administered  some  remedies  to  the 
inflamed  eye  of  my  horse,  having  forgotten  to  remunerate 
him,  I  wrote  back  sixty  miles  to  a  friend,  to  do  this  in  my 
behalf.  Had  I  belonged  to  another  profession,  I  should 
not  have  done  it.  On  the  same  principle,  I  consider  the 
payment  of  debts,  little  or  great,  more  scrupulously  to 
demand  my  attention,  than  if  I  were  a  secular  man."  Do 
not  the  principles  and  practice  of  the  author  of  this  letter 
rebuke  some  of  his  brethren  ?  Have  not  some  ministers 
of  the  gospel,  indulged  the  feeling  that  they  are  ex  officio 
privileged  to  expect  peculiar  attentions,  and  to  disregard 
minute  things  in  manners,  or  in  dealing,  which  are 
acknowledged  to  be  binding  on  others;  and  a  neglect  of 
which,  would  in  their  own  view,  be  a  blemish  in  others  ? 
Does  not  this  feeling  sometimes  manifest  itself  in  the 
apparent  expectation,  that  pecuniary  obligations  will  be 
considered  less  sacredly  binding  on  them  than  on  men  of 
a  different  employment.  "  To  the  minister  of  the  gospel," 
Dr.  Porter  remarks  in  the  conclusion  of  one  of  his  ser- 
mons, "  I  would  say,  be  at  all  times,  and  on  all  occasions 
a  man  of  integrity.  Beware  that  you  do  not  feel  ex- 
empted by  your  office  or  employment  from  obligations 
which  bind  all  Christians  and  all  men,  to  probity  and 
punctuality  in  the  fuliilment     pecuniary  engagements." 

Activity  for  the  good  of  Zion  was  not  a  less  prominent 
trait  of  Dr.  Porter's  professional,  than  of  his  Christian 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  217 

character.  He  was  active  in  devising  expedients  to  pro- 
mote piety  among  his  people,  and  equally  so  in  executing 
more  extended  plans  of  benevolence,  whether  originating 
in  his  own  mind,  or  in  the  counsels  and  the  prayers  of 
others.  He  was  happily  exempt  from  that  narrow  pride 
which  induces  one  to  attach  special  merit  to  a  course  of 
action,  because  it  bears  the  impress  of  his  own  wisdom  or 
zeal.  Nothing  was  needful  to  secure  his  prayers,  his 
co-operation,  and  his  contributions  in  behalf  of  any  pro- 
posed plan  of  Christian  effort,  except  evidence  that  it  was 
demanded  by  the  honor  of  God  and  the  well-being  of  men  ; 
was  wisely  projected,  and  was  feasible.  The  results  of 
his  labors  impressively  teach  what  singleness  of  purpose, 
united  with  untiring  industry  may  effect,  though  depressed 
by  debility  and  suffering.  The  employment  of  preaching 
he  ardently  loved,  and  failed  not  even  when  journeying,  if 
his  health  would  allow,  to  improve  every  suitable  oppor- 
tunity, as  Christ's  ambassador  to  address  his  fellow  men. 
As  disease  preyed  upon  his  vitals,  and  undermined  his 
constitution,  he  was  compelled  oftener  to  decline  solicita- 
tions to  this  service.  So  susceptible  did  his  lungs  become, 
of  impression  from  a  change  of  atmosphere,  that  for  years 
a  slight  variation  of  temperature  often  entirely  disqualified 
him  to  officiate  in  public,  or  to  speak  with  ease  in  con- 
versation. For  several  years,  indeed,  it  was  with  difficulty, 
in  his  best  state  of  health,  that  he  performed  without  aid 
the  labors  of  a  single  public  service ;  and  for  two  years 
before  his  decease  he  rarely  preached  at  all.  His  last 
sermon  was  preached  in  the  South  Parish  of  Braintree, 
Mass.,  in  September  1833,  from  Daniel  vi.  10, — a  sermon 
afterwards  printed  with  his  Lectures  on  Homiletics,  &c. 
It  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  he  spoke  at  this 
time,  being  unable  to  utter  a  sentence  without  an  obvious 
effort  of  the  vital  organs. 

19 


218 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


To  Dr.  Porter's  solicitude,  while  a  pastor,  for  the  purity 
of  his  church  in  sentiment  and  practice,  we  have  already 
had  occasion  to  allude.  Entertaining  the  belief  that  cor- 
rect practice  can  be  expected  only  in  connection  with 
correct  sentiments,  he  attached  the  highest  importance  to 
the  general  diffusion  of  standard,  theological  writings.  In 
aid  of  this  object  he  cheerfully  devoted  his  pen,  his  money, 
and  his  influence.  During  the  early  part  of  his  ministry, 
his  fears  were  awakened  by  an  undue  tendency  among 
ministers  and  Christians  to  theological  speculation.  This, 
at  a  later  period,  was  succeeded  by  an  increased  tendency 
to  action,  which  was  accompanied  with  at  least  an  equally 
increased  fondness  for  novelty  and  innovation.  In  the 
solicitude  respecting  the  peculiar  dangers  which,  as  the 
result  of  this  state  of  things,  threatened  the  prosperity  of 
Zion,  originated  his  Letters  on  Revivals. 

The  theological  views  of  Dr.  Porter  were  of  the  same 
general  character  as  those  entertained  by  Edwards,  and 
Bellamy,  and  Smallcy,  and  by  the  ministers  whose  agency 
was  most  conspicuous  in  the  numerous  and  interesting 
revivals  about  the  beginning  of  this  century. — They  were 
decidedly  evangelical.  These  views  were  distinctly  and 
fearlessly  expressed,  and  decidedly  maintained,  in  the 
pulpit  and  in  conversation.  Yet  he  was  not  a  controver- 
sialist. Having  no  predilection  for  controversy,  and  be- 
lieving that  his  energies  might  be  more  profitably  em- 
ployed, he  abstained  almost  entirely  from  public  participa- 
tion in  it.  Still  he  was  not  of  the  number  who  believe 
that  silence  respecting  prevailing  theological  errors  is 
expedient,  especially  when  those  errors  are  likely  to  gain 
currency  through  respect  for  the  Christian  and  profes- 
sional character  of  their  advocates.  Did  he  see  error  clad 
in  fair  disguise,  followed  by  evil  results  or  obviously 
tending  to  such  results,  he  deemed  it  his  duty  as  a  faithful 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  219 


watchman,  to  utter  the  language  of  reproof  or  caution. 
For  the  same  reasons,  he  deemed  it  his  duty  to  encourage 
and  sustain  those  who  were  willing,  on  the  field  of  con- 
troversy to  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints ;  and  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  all  those  contro- 
versies in  which  tiie  cardinal  doctrines  of  religion  were 
brought  into  discussion.  It  cannot  be  disguised  that  in 
this  light  he  viewed  the  controversy  which  arose  during 
the  last  years  of  his  life,  respecting  the  system  of  religious 
sentiments  commonly  denominated  "  New-Haven  The- 
ology." Though  the  writer  is  aware,  as  already  intimated, 
that  Dr.  Porter  was  not  disposed  publicly  to  engage  in 
this  controversy,  he  also  knows  from  personal  acquaint- 
ance with  his  views  and  feelings,  that  he  felt  on  this  sub- 
ject a  most  lively  solicitude, — a  solicitude,  not  a  vague 
transient  excitement;  but  awakened  by  a  conviction,  the 
result  of  deliberate,  protracted,  and  prayerful  investigation, 
that  some  of  the  fundamental  truths  of  the  gospel  were 
assailed,  through  undue  attachment  to  favorite  metaphy- 
sical theories.  On  several  points  in  this  system.  Dr.  Por- 
ter's views  were  distinctly,  though  briefly  expressed  in  his 
correspondence  with  Rev.  Bennet  Tyler,  D.  D.,  President 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  East  Windsor,  Conn.,  and 
with  an  Association  for  the  promotion  of  Revivals,  at  that 
time  existing  in  the  Seminary  at  Andover.  That  the 
statement  of  his  views  may  be  full  and  distinct,  it  is  pre- 
sented to  the  reader,  as  gathered  from  both  these  sources. 
The  fact  that  the  correspondence  with  the  Revival  Asso- 
ciation has  already  been  published,  will  not,  it  is  pre- 
sumed, in  the  view  of  most  readers,  detract  from  the  value 
of  the  extracts  which  it  is  proposed  here  to  insert.  To 
Rev,  Dr.  Tyler,  he  writes  :— 


220 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  Andover,  October  8,  1829. 

"  Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

"  From  some  remarks  which  dropped  when  you  and 

brother  were  in  my  study,  I  have  supposed  that 

both  you  and  he  have  much  the  same  views  of  Dr.  Tay- 
lor's speculative  theology  as  I  have.  That  he  was  very 
much  dissatisfied  last  May,  I  know  from  his  strong  declar- 
ations ;  and  his  inquietude  I  presume  cannot  have  been 
diminished  by  the  subsequent  character  of  the  Spectator. 
Since  that  time  too,  I  know  that  such  men  as  the  Prince- 
ton Professors,  Dr.   ,  Dr.  Hyde  of  Lee,  > 

 ,  &,c.  &-C.,  are  seriously  dissatisfied. 

"  Without  time  to  enter  into  particulars,  my  difficulty 
is  that  his  note  to  his  sermon,  his  views  of  native  depravity, 
of  means  and  regeneration,  are  virtually  Arminian  ;  at 
least  that  they  will  be  so  understood  as  to  bring  up  a  race 
of  young  preachers,  thoroughly  anti-Calvinistic. 

"  Now  what  is  to  be  done?  Shall  we  sustain  our  Cal- 
vinism, or  see  it  run  down  to  the  standard  of  Methodists 
and  laxer  men  ? — It  is  time  that  a  note  of  remonstrance 
be  struck  up  somewhere ;  it  would  instantly  ring  through 
the  country." 

«  St.  Augustine,  Feb.  4,  1830. 

"  Dear  Brother, 

"  Your  pamphlet  reached  me  two  days  ago,  by  packet 

from  Charleston,  through  the  agency  of  brother  , 

who  read  my  copy,  and  then  forwarded  it.  Another  copy 
or  two  I  expect  shortly  from  Mrs.  Porter.  The  spirit,  the 
sentiment,  the  execution  of  the  pamphlet  I  like  much.  I 
expected  a  good  thing,  and  it  is  better  than  I  expected. 

"  It  is  four  or  five  years  since  I  warned  brother  

against  the  spirit  of  speculation  that  was  growing  up  in 
Connecticut.  Two  years  ago,  I  began  to  feel  alarmed  as 
to  his  own  theories.    More  recently  I  have  had  several 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  221 


free  conversations  with  him,  and  my  fears  have  been 
allayed  by  assurances  from  him  that  he  should  hereafter 
preach  the  parts  of  Calvinism,  against  which  the  unsanc- 
tified  heart  revolts,  and  which  on  mature  deliberation,  he 

did  not  think  it  his  duty  to  preach  earlier  in   .  I 

objected  to  him,  that  Calvinism  has  two  legs,  the  agency 
of  God,  and  the  agency  of  man;  he  had  made  it  walk  on 
one,  and  thus  had  given  to  it  the  halting  gate  of  Ther- 
sites,  instead  of  the  majestic  march  of  Achilles.  He  ad- 
mitted this  partial  exhibition  and  justified  it,  as  the  case 
has  been,  but  promised  to  change  his  course.    The  grand 

danger  of  brother  is  too  much  reliance  on  means. 

He  and    are  both  virtually  in  the  old  '  moral 

suasion '  system.  He  plumply  denies  that  the  more  the 
unregenerate  man  sees  of  God,  the  more  he  hates  his 
character ;  and  objects,  not  so  heedlessly  indeed  as  Armi- 
nians  and  infidels  have  done,  that  it  must,  if  that  were 
true,  be  the  worst  thing  we  could  do  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  them. 

"  Dr.  Taylor's  closing  No.  on  Means,  was  a  designed 
modification  of  the  former  ones,  partly  on  the  suggestion 

of  .    The  latter  told  him,  that  he  had  employed 

terms  badly  in  speaking  of  the  '  suspension  of  selfish- 
ness.' All  that  T.  means,  said  he  to  me,  is  that  the 
carnal  mind  is  held  in  check,  or  does  not  act,  not  that  it 
is  extinct.  'While  this  carnal  mind  is  thus  checked,  has 
it  moral  qualities?'  said  I.  'Doubtless.'  'Is  it  sinful, 
or  holy,  or  neither?'  (Pause.)  'The  man  is  doubtless 
a  sinner.'  '  Can  one,  who  pugnaciously  and  ostenta- 
tiously maintains,  that  all  sin  consists  in  action,  maintain 
too  that  a  carnal  mind  is  sinful  while  all  its  action  has 
ceased? — (No  reply.)  The  calmness,  candor,  and  dis- 
crimination of  your  discussion  will  do  good.  Other  men 
will  now  speak.  Dr.  T.  cannot  stand  where  he  is.  He 
19* 


222 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


must  either  explain  satisfactorily,  or  prove  anew  his  system, 
or  retract,  or  go  down  stream. 

"  As  to  the  question  which  you  touch  upon,  whether  un- 
renewed sinners  do  use  means,  &.c.  I  have  no  difficulty. 
They  do  nothing  which  God  accepts  as  duty  ;  nothing  to 
which  he  has  promised  sanctifying  grace.  But  they  may 
do  many  things,  which  as  God  is  accustomed  to  work,  are 
ordinarily  prerequisite  to  regeneration,  e.  g. — intellec- 
tual light,  doctrinal  instruction,  conviction,  feeling,  may 
exist  and  commonly  do,  where  God  is  about  to  sanctify 
the  heart.  A  man  with  all  these,  may  be  more  guilty  than 
he  was  a  month  ago,  or  more  than  his  neighbor  ;  and  yet 
Dr.  Bellamy  would  say,  he  may  be  ten  times  or  a  hundred 
times  more  likely  to  be  saved,  than  he  was,  or  than  his 
neighbor  is. 

"  As  to  regeneration  by  self-love — no  man  or  devil  can 
be  more  depraved  than  to  overlook  God  and  the  universe, 
and  make  himself  his  ultimate  end. — Be  of  good  courage, 
brother.  The  strength  of  the  church  and  ministry  are 
with  you.  The  settled  faitii  of  the  country  must  be  de- 
fended." 

"  Charleston,  S.  C.  May  1,  1830. 

My  dear  Brother, 

"  A  letter  from  brother  S  soon  after  I  wrote 

you  from  St.  Augustine,  had  this  passage, — '  Dr.  Tyler 
has  published  his  pamphlet,  a  noble  one  too, — which  has 
made  an  end  of  the  matter  as  to  brother  Taylor's  "  regen- 
eration by  self-love;" — a  full  end;  there  is  no  redemption. 
All  the  fog  is  blown  away,  and  we  have  at  last  a  clear  and 
sheer  regeneration  of  the  natural  man  by  himself,  stimu- 
lated by  self-love,  made  out  to  be  the  scheme  of  brother 
Taylor ;  there  is  no  getting  aside  of  it.  Brother  Taylor 
must  now  sing  his  TjaXivodrj,  or  go  further  and  plunge 
deeper.    I  hope  for  the  nahvodij,  but  I  fear  the  diuTiJt6rj.' 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  223 


I  quote  this  because  it  accords  so  perfectly  with  my  own 

views,  and  because  brother  S  has  been  claimed  by 

Dr.  T.  as  on  his  side. 

"  Dr.  Taylor's  views  of  self-love  cannot  stand  inquiry. 
His  'true  benevolence' — Move  to  God,'  '  in  its  most  ele- 
mentary form,' — is  what  ? — regard  to  one's  own  happiness. 
Fuller  in  his  'Gospel  its  own  Witness,'  shows  this  to  be 
an  infidel  sentiment;  and  Smalley,  vol.  1st  of  his  Ser- 
mons, shows  that  Satan  is  innoceut,  if  ultimate  regard  to 
self  is  no  sin.  As  to  suspension  of  the  selfish  principle, 
he  is  in  real  straits.  He  has  a  sinner  using  means,  for 
some  '  definable  time,'  without  moral  qualities,  and  so  not 
a  moral  agent; — or  using  means  no  time  at  all,  that  is,  not 
iismg  means  ;  for  time  is  of  course  definable.  Besides,  all 
his  illustrations  suppose  the  sinner  using  means,  to  do 
what  occupies  time — considering,  comparing,  &,c.  Did 
such  a  sinner  ever  listen  to  a  sermon  in  less  than  a 
moment?  What  would  Dr.  Taylor  say  to  an  assembly  of 
unregenerate  men — not  using  means  1  '  Keep  away  from 
the  sanctuary,'  or  'repent?'  Let  him  solve  his  own  dif- 
ficulties, and  he  solves  mine.  Indeed  I  have  none;  for 
while  I  tell  the  sinner — '  repent' — and  assure  him  that  he 
is  guilty  for  every  moment  of  impenitence — he  does  no 
duty  in  listening  to  me,  but  he  does  what  God  may  employ 
as  a  means,  and  ordinarily  as  indispensably  prerequisite  to 
his  regeneration." 

"Andover,  May  2,  1832. 

"Dear  Brother, 

"In  a  long  letter  to  Mr.  >  just  written,  I  say: 

'  The  controversy  is  lamentable  enough,  God  knows ; — but 
the  responsibility  be  on  the  few  men,  who  against  many  a 
sober  remonstrance,  as  I  can  bear  witness,  refused  to  let 
alone  this  contention  before  it  was  meddled  with.  We 
concede  to  them  the  right  to  impugn  the  faith  of  the 


224 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Pilgrims,  if  they  will ;  and  also  to  think  and  say  that  they 
do  not  do  it ; — but  cannot  concede  to  them  the  right  to 
think  and  say,  for  themselves  and  us  too.' 

"  The  review  of  ,  pushes  him,  either  off  his  own 

ground,  or  on  to  *  self-determining  power  !'  I  should  no 
sooner  have  looked  for  the  theories  of  our  '  new  men,'  on 
this  point,  after  the  demonstration  of  its  absurdity  by 
Edwards,  than  that  the  Copernican  System  should  be 
assailed,  or  the  properties  of  the  circle  and  triangle,  settled 
in  science  for  centuries,  should  be  called  in  question. 
Hold  on  with  good  courage.    God  calls  you  to  speak." 

"  Andovtr,  Aiig.  8,  1832. 

*'  Dear  Brother, 

"Why  cannot  Dr.  T.  come  out  honestly  and  say  what 
he  believes  as  to  the  necessary  independence  of  a  moral 
agent  on  divine  influence  ?  The  Arminian  says  God 
could  not  secure  universal  holiness  '  without  infringing  free 
agency.'  Dr.  T.  evidently  means  just  so,  but  he  is  am- 
biguous—  hypothetical; — says,  'you  have  no  proof  a 
2)riori' — and  looks  well  to  his  italics  as  his  refuge.  Can 
he  prove  a  priori  that  God  can  secure  any  holiness? 

"On  the  late  hobby  distinction  between  doctrines  and 
theory  or  philosophy  of  religion,  I  could  write  a  sheet  or 

two.    I  said  to  ,  give  me  this  door  which  — •  

has  opened,  and  I  will  bring  all  the  churches  of  to 

meet  on  one  floor,  as  orthodox.  Try  the  principle  on  the 
Trinity,  and  all  that  is  essential  to  the  truth,  is  easily  laid 
aside  under  the  head  of  philosophy  or  theory.  Worse 

yet  as  to  atonement,  regeneration,  &c.,    in  the 

Christian  Register  three  or  four  weeks  ago,  just  followed 
up  the  principle  capitally,  in  behalf  of  Unitarians." 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


225 


«  Charleston,  S.  C.  Dec.  S,  1832. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  I  wish  our  editors  who  are  correct  on  inahilili/, 
would  so  thoroughly  keep  up  the  settled  distinction  as  to 
natural  and  moral,  that  Taylorites  cannot  misunderstand 
them.  The  mischief  already  done  by  these  new  theories 
is  incalculable,  at  least  in  one  respect.  Our  ministers, 
especially  of  the  younger  class,  are  unsettled  in  their  faith. 
Too  many  of  them,  not  with  Taylor  in  sentiment,  have 
imperceptibly  come  to  feel  that  nothing  is  too  well  estab- 
lished to  be  called  in  question." 

To  the  expression  of  Dr.  Porter's  theological  views 
contained  in  the  preceding  extracts  from  his  correspon- 
dence, is  added  the  following  from  his  concluding  Letter 
on  Revivals. 

"  Christian  preachers,  wliowish  their  ministrations  to  he 
blessed  of  God  for  the  promotion  of  revivals,  ought  correct- 
ly to  understand  and  represent  the  subject  of  divine  in- 
fluence, in  the  conversion  of  sinners. 

"  This  is  a  point  concerning  which  God  is  jealous  of 
his  own  prerogatives.  The  sanctification  of  the  human 
heart,  is  so  eminently  the  special  work  of  his  Spirit,  that 
the  minister  who  denies  o*"  but  half  believes  the  truth  on 
this  subject,  or  who  substitutes  for  it  some  theory  more 
flattering  to  human  pride,  is  destined  to  labor  amid  spirit- 
ual barrenness.  At  any  rate,  he  cannot  see  a  genuine 
revival  of  religion,  as  the  proper  fruit  of  his  own  labors. 
At  all  periods  indeed,  individuals  claiming  to  be  orthodox, 
have  entertained  views  more  or  less  erroneous  as  to  the 
work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  regeneration.  But,  for  a  long 
period,  the  faith  of  our  Calvinistic  churches,  especially  in 
New  England,  has  been  as  much  settled  on  this  subject, 
as  on  any  other  in  religion ;  and  it  would  be  just  as 
reasonable  at  this  day  to  revive  all  the  debates  of  past  ages 


226 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


on  the  doctrine  of  justification  or  atonement,  as  on  this. 
A  spirit  of  bold  speculation,  however,  has  arisen  in  our 
time,  and  advanced  theories  respecting  regeneration,  the 
same  in  substance  as  those  which  have  been  often  refuted 
and  abandoned  heretofore,  but  which  being  now  advanced 
with  the  imposing  air  of  novelty,  are  in  my  opinion  dan- 
gerous to  the  interests  of  evangelical  and  experimental 
piety,  just  so  far  as  they  are  embraced. 

"  Do  you  ask  me  to  specify  what  I  mean  ?  It  is  reason- 
able that  you  should  wish  this  ;  and  I  will  endeavor  to  do 
it  witli  as  much  clearness  and  brevity  as  I  am  able. 

"  One  theory  then  to  which  I  refer,  is  that  which  denies 
any  direct,  eUviiic  infiucncc  in  regeneration,  and  ascribes 
the  change  wholly  to  moral  suasion.  This  is  an  old  error 
revived.  It  was  familiar  to  my  earliest  theological  studies; 
and  through  my  whole  ministry,  though  this  sentiment  has 
never  had  a  single  respectable  advocate  till  lately,  the 
reasons  why  I  have  thought  it  an  error,  and  a  serious  one, 
have  been  the  same  that  I  shall  now  state. 

"  How  does  God  operate  on  minds?  Whatever  range 
we  may  give  to  our  speculations,  I  suppose  all  must  come 
to  this  result,  that  it  must  be  done  by  an  influence  either 
mediate  or  immediate,  and  that  no  mode  of  influence 
besides  these  two  is  conceivable. 

"  By  mediate  influence  we  mean  that  which  attends  the 
employment  of  second  causes,  operating  according  to  the 
settled  laws  of  mind; — as  where  instruction  removes  ig- 
norance, argument  produces  conviction,  and  eloquence 
awakens  emotion.  There  is  a  philosophical  sense,  in 
which  the  action  of  second  causes  on  intelligent  beings  is 
properly  ascribed  to  God ;  just  as  we  say  he  governs  the 
animal,  vegetable,  and  planetary  worlds  by  laws  appropri- 
ate to  each. 

"  By  immediate  influence  we  mean  that  which  is  direct, 
without  the  intervention  of  second  causes.  Calvinistic 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  337 


preachers  have  always  ascribed  the  renovation  of  a  sinner 
in  the  large  sense,  to  both  these  kinds  of  divine  influence. 
When  they  speak  o(  conversion,  as  including  the  Christian 
graces,  or  denoting  the  commencement  and  progress  of 
holiness  in  the  heart,  they  refer  to  the  direct  agency  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  also  to  the  instrumentality  of  means. 
But  when  they  speak  of  regeneration,  as  denoting  merely 
the  commencement  of  sanctification,  and  as  being  an  instan- 
taneous, not  a  progressive  work,  it  is  the  immediate  agency 
of  God,  and  that  only,  to  which  they  refer. 

"  You  must  be  well  aware  that  tiiere  are  religious 
teachers  now,  of  considerable  name,  who  boldly  aver  that 
God  does  not,  and  cannot  exert  any  other  influence  on  the 
heart  of  a  sinner  than  the  mediate  kind,  which  consists  in 
the  power  of  motives.  A  popular  preacher  has  been  ac- 
customed to  use  language  like  the  following  :  '  In  renew- 
ing men,  the  Spirit  employs  means.  He  does  not  come 
and  take  right  hold  of  the  heart,  and  perform  an  operation 
upon  it ;  but  he  presents  motives ;  .he  persuades  by  means 
of  truth,  and  the  heart  is  overcome.' — '  To  change  men's 
hearts,  requires  only  the  presentation  of  truth  by  the  Spirit 
'of  God.  His  influence  differs  not  at  all  from  that  of  the 
preacher,  except  in  degree.'  Doubtless  you  have  heard 
the  sentiment  maintained  in  the  pulpit,  or  seen  it  in  the- 
ological discussions,  that  '  the  Spirit  of  God  changes  the 
sinners  heart,  just  as  icc  change  a  man's  purpose  in  any 
case  hy  persuasion ;  and  that  any  direct  influence,  distinct 
from  moral  suasion,  would  be  inconsistent  with  the  laws  of 
moral  agency. 

"  To  this  theory  I  object  in  the  Jirst  place,  that  it  con- 
tradicts the  plain  declarations  of  the  Bible.  Not  a  twen- 
tieth part  of  the  evidence  on  which  I  make  this  statement, 
can  be  or  need  be  adduced  here.  '  Whose  heart  the  Lord 
opened,  that  she  attended  unto  the  things  that  were  spoken 
by  Paul.'    Ask  any  plain  Christian  to  interpret  this,  and 


228 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


he  will  tell  you  here  was  a  direct  divine  influence  on  the 
heart  of  Lydia,  not  only  distinct  from  the  influence  of 
means,  but  expressly  preparatory  to  the  access  of  this 
influence.  'The  king's  heart  is  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord  ; 
as  the  rivers  of  water  he  turneth  it  whithersoever  he  will.' 
How  is  this  ?  Suppose  some  one  should  ask,  '  Does  the 
Lord  come,  and  take  right  hold  of  the  king's  heart  V 
Yes,  doubtless,  for  it  is  '  in  his  hand.' — Let  such  as  feel  a 
difficulty  in  this  language,  search  for  an  interpretation.  If 
there  is  a  difficulty,  common  sense  did  not  create  it,  and 
need  not  stop  to  explain  it.  But  if  illustration  were 
needed,  it  might  be  found  in  one  simple  case  of  fact. 
Nehemiah  prayed,  with  great  importunity  and  persever- 
ance, that  the  king  of  Babylon's  heart  might  be  '  turned,' 
to  favor  the  rebuilding  of  Jerusalem.  That  heart  was 
barricaded  by  policy,  pride,  and  prejudice  against  the 
enterprize.  But  while  no  '  moral  suasion'  was  brought  to 
bear  upon  it,  from  argument  and  motives,  or  even  from  a 
knowledge  of  Nehemiah's  prayers  having  been  offered ;  it 
was  effectually  '  turned,'  in  answer  to  those  prayers,  by  an 
invisible  influence  from  heaven. 

"  '  God,  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  dark- 
ness, hath  shined  in  our  hearts.'  How  did  God  produce 
light  ?  By  the  agency  of  Gabriel,  or  the  instrumentality 
of  other  second  causes?  No,  but  by  the  immediate 
energy  of  his  own  word,  '  Let  there  be  light.'  So  in  re- 
generation, he  shines  in  our  hearts  ;  '  Let  there  be  love  to 
God.'  Call  this  moral  suasion,  and  what  becomes  of  Paul's 
analogy,  in  which  consists  the  whole  significance  of  his 
language  ?  Was  light  persuaded  into  existence,  at  the 
beginning?  Paul  preached  to  the  Corinthian  converts, 
but  the  light  that  shined  in  their  hearts,  was  an  immediate 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

" '  Holy  men  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.'    How  was  Isaiah  moved  in  uttering  predictions  of 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


229 


the  Messiah  ?  Certainly  by  a  direct  influence  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  not  by  moral  suasion.  True  the  kind  of  influence 
in-this  case  was  very  different  from  that  employed  in  regen- 
eration ;  but  it  shows  that  immediate  access  to  a  human 
mind,  is  not  impossible  to  Him  who  made  it,  nor  inconsis- 
tent with  the  laws  of  moral  agency.  Again, 

"  '  Work  out  your  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  for 
it  is  God  that  worketh  in  you,  to  will  and  to  do,  of  his 
good  pleasure.'  How  does  God  work  in  men's  hearts,  to 
produce  holy  volition  and  action  ?  The  theory  says,  by 
motives  ; — '  just  as  one  man's  mind  is  influenced,  in  any 
case,  by  the  persuasion  of  another.'  But  unperverted 
Christian  experience  says,  '  An  immediate,  divine  influ- 
ence is  superadded  to  the  motives  of  the  gospel.' 

"  I  object  to  the  theory  of  moral  suasion,  in  the  second 
place,  because  it  subverts  the  scriptural  doctrine  of  de- 
pravity. The  question  is,  have  tlie  light  and  motives  of 
the  gospel,  when  exhibited  to  the  sinner,  the  same  powec 
to  change  his  heart,  that  argument  has  to  influence  his 
judgment  in  common  cases  ?  Suppose  you  state  to  him 
the  common  argument  to  prove  the  existence  of  God. 
'He  is  an  intelligent  man  ;  he  sees  the  force  of  that  argu- 
ment fully  ;  his  understanding  is  convinced.  But  suppose 
you  proceed,  and  set  before  this  same  man,  with  equal 
clearness,  the  moral  character  of  God  ;  do  you,  by  the 
same  process,  bring  him  to  love  it?  If  so  his  oppositioa 
to  God  before,  was  not  to  his  true  character;  it  was 
founded  in  mistake.  All  he  needed  was  intellectual  light 
to  correct  his  false  views  of  God,  and  then  he  was  pre- 
disposed to  love  him ;  for  opposition  to  every  false  char- 
acter of  God,  denotes  a  right,  and  not  a  criminal  state  of 
heart. 

"  Now  this  is  not  such  a  sinner  as  the  Bible  any  where 
describes.    Paul  speaks  of  men  who  were  opposed  to  God, 
not  merely  by  intellectual  mistake,  but  '  their  understand- 
20 


230  MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


ing  was  darkened,  because  of  the  blindness  of  their  heart.' 
The  Jews  rejected  the  Messiah,  not  because  the  means  of 
moral  suasion  were  wanting,  but  in  using  these  means, 
'the  veil  was  on  their  hearts.'  And  Christ  speaks  of  them, 
not  as  predisposed  to  love  the  true  character  of  God,  if 
they  had  only  been  instructed  so  as  to  see  it;  'Ye  have 
both  seen  and  hated  both  me  and  my  Father.'  The  doc- 
trine of  Christ,  as  to  the  guilt  of  men,  is,  that  they  have 
light  enough,  but  love  darkness.  The  theory  of  moral 
suasion  is,  that  they  have  no  love  of  darkness,  but  such  as 
light  and  motives  will  remove. 

"  I  object,  in  the  third  place,  to  this  theory,  because  it 
subverts  the  scriptural  doctrine  of  special  grace. 

"  'In  regeneration,'  it  has  been  said,  'the  sinner's  heart 
is  changed  by  the  influence  of  truth  and  motives,  presented 
by  God  ; — just  as  one  man's  mind  is  changed  in  any  case, 
by  the  persuasion  of  another.'  How  does  the  orator  per- 
suade his  hearers  ?  By  appeals  to  their  understanding, 
conscience,  passions,  interest,  &,c. ;  that  is,  by  addressing 
principles  that  are  in  the  men  already — principles  that  are 
in  all  men.  He  operates  on  their  minds  by  an  objective 
influence;  by  the  presentation  of  ej/crwa? motives,  adapted 
to  sway  their  purpose.  This  is  all  he  can  do.  But  is  this 
all  that  God  can  do  ?  He  addresses  men  by  the  solemn 
motives  of  the  gospel,  through  preaching,  and  other  modes 
of  presenting  external  means  of  persuasion.  But  is  this 
all  that  he  can  do  ?  Certainly  not ;  for  besides  the  pre- 
sentation of  motives  through  the  instrumentality  of  second 
causes,  he  can  exert  an  immediate  influence  on  minds, 
such  as  no  man  has  the  power  of  exerting  on  another  man ; 
and  this  is  the  influence  which  he  does  exert  in  regenera- 
tion. To  deny  this  is  to  deny  special  grace.  For  if 
regeneration  is  produced  by  an  influence  the  same  as  that 
employed  by  one  man  on  the  mind  of  another,  in  common 
persuasion,  certainly  it  is  not  in  any  sense  a  supernatural 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


231 


work.  It  takes  place  according  to  the  laws  of  nature,  in 
the  ordinary  course  of  cause  and  effect. 

"  Why  then  is  one  sinner  in  an  assembly  regenerated, 
rather  than  others,  who  possess  the  same  powers  and  prin- 
ciples of  moral  agency  as  he?  An  event  occurs  in  this 
case,  for  which,  according  to  the  theory  in  question,  there 
is  no  reason.  A  hundred  men,  of  essentially  the  same 
intelligence  and  moral  character,  listen  to  the  same  ser- 
mon. God  addresses  them  all  by  the  voice  of  the  preacher; 
but  only  one  of  the  hundred  is  savingly  renewed,  and  he 
by  just  the  same  influence,  which  is  applied  to  all  the  rest 
without  effect !  On  the  theory  of  special  grace,  a  good 
reason,  (namely,  the  immediate  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,)  is  to  be  assigned  for  this  difference  of  result ;  but 
on  the  theory  of  moral  suasion  it  is  absolutely  without  any 
reason. 

"The  scriptural  representations  of  Christians  as  'be- 
gotten through  the  gospel,'  and  '  born  again  by  the  word 
of  God,'  are  in  no  measure  inconsistent  with  the  doctrine 
of  immediate,  divine  influence  on  the  heart.  God  wrought 
miracles  '  by  the  rod  of  Moses,'  and  '  by  the  hand  of  Paul ; ' 
but  the  instrumentality  employed,  surely  did  not  supersede 
his  own  supernatural  agency. 

"  But  it  has  been  said,  '  The  power  of  God  which  creates 
and  governs  matter,  is  a  very  different  thing  from  that 
which  is  applied  to  mind.  One  is  physical,  the  other  can 
operate  only  through  moral  suasion.'  It  is  very  true,  that 
the  laws  of  matter  are  different  from  those  of  mind;  but  it 
does  not  follow  that  the  power  of  God  by  which  different 
effects  are  produced,  must  be  of  different  kinds,  according 
to  the  nature  of  those  effects.  '  Are  we  to  conceive  that 
the  power  proper  to  create  inanimate  matter  could  never 
create  a  thinking  mind  ? — that  angels  and  the  souls  of  men 
were  persuaded  iuto  being,  by  arguments  and  motives ; 


232 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


and  that  the  material  world  was  forced  out  of  nothing,  by 
the  power  of  attraction?'* 

"  Great  perplexity  has  arisen  in  recent  discussions  as  to 
divine  influence,  from  a  very  indefinite  use  of  the  term 
physical;  and  from  the  assumption  that  a  direct  agency 
of  God  upon  the  heart  in  regeneration,  must  be  &2)hysical 
operation.  The  power  of  one  man  to  influence  the  mind 
of  another  man,  is  solely  of  the  mediate  kind,  through 
motives.  But  it  is  neither  becoming  nor  logical  to  infer, 
as  some  have  done,  that  the  power  of  God  is  restricted  in 
the  same  manner.  His  access  to  the  heart  may  be  imme- 
diate, and  in  regeneration  must  be  so.  The  change  in 
this  case  is  moral;  it  is  wrought  in  a.  moral  agent;  the 
effects  produced  are  moral  effects.  But  the  power  pro- 
ducing the  change,  or  the  work  itself,  is  not  moral, — it  is 
not  physical,  but  supernatural. 

"  I  know  that  there  are  good  and  respectable  men,  who 
have  adopted  the  theory  of  moral  suasion,  and  still  do  not 
mean  to  deny  special  grace.  This  latter  doctrine  they 
find  sanctioned  by  the  whole  current  of  the  Bible  and  of 
Christian  experience.  Hence  they  attempt  to  make  out  a 
complex  theory  ;  and  seem  to  maintain  that  besides  the 
moral  power  of  motives,  (such  as  the  orator  brings  to  bear 
on  his  hearers,)  there  is  superadded,  in  the  regeneration 
of  a  sinner,  a  divine  influence  on  his  heart,  which  still  is 
not  a  direct  influence.  What  is  it  then?  Not  a  mediate 
influence,  through  the  power  of  truth  and  motives.  Not 
an  iinmediate  influence  on  the  heart.  What  is  this  influ- 
ence? Not  a  few,  I  apprehend,  who  have  begun  to  slide 
downward  from  the  faith  of  our  Calvinistic  churches,  but 
who  have  been  accustomed  to  use  the  current  language  of 
orthodoxy,  as  to  divine  influence,  and  verily  suppose  that 
they  mean  what  the  language  imports  ;— if  they  would  look 


*  Smalley. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  233 


carefully  at  the  ground  on  which  they  stand,  must  be  con- 
vinced that  their  favorite  theory  of  moral  suasion,  and  the 
doctrine  oi  special  supernatural  influence  in  regeneration, 
cannot  both  be  true.  I  have  spoken  thus  freely,  because 
I  regard  all  speculations,  which  tend  to  exalt  human 
instrumentality,  and  diminish  a  humble  reliance  on  God, 
as  fundamentally  erroneous,  and  fatal  to  the  spirit  of 
genuine  revivals. 

"  Another  topic,  which  I  would  class  under  the  general 
head  of  incorrect  views  concerning  divine  influence,  is  the 
theory  which  amounts  to  regeneration  by  self-love. 

"  Paul  says,  '  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God.' 
He  did  not  mean  against  an  imaginary  and  false  character 
of  God,  such  as  ought  to  be  hated  ;  but  against  his  true 
character.  How  is  this  enmity  to  be  removed  ?  Paul 
says,  by  such  a  change  in  the  'carnal  mind,'  that  it  shall 
love  holiness,  and  become  'reconciled  to  God,'  as  he  is; 
in  other  word.s,  by  bringing  up  the  human  heart  to  the 
standard  of  the  Bible.  Another  mode  of  removing  this 
enmity,  is,  to  bring  doicn  the  character  of  God  by  such  a 
modification  of  his  attributes,  that  the  '  enmity '  of  the 
carnal  mind  towards  it  shall  cease,  without  any  radical 
change  (in  this  mind);  that  is,  with  no  change  but  such 
as  will  spontaneously  occur  in  the  sinner,  from  a  change 
in  his  views  as  to  the  relations  and  feelings  of  God  towards 
himself.  It  was  by  appealing  to  the  principle  of  self-love, 
and  a  correspondent  modification  of  the  gospel,  that  the 
Romish  missionaries  in  Eastern  Asia,  seemed  likely  to 
convert  the  whole  heathen  world.  But  after  a  fair  experi- 
ment, it  turned  out  that  the  converts  were  no  better  men 
than  before ;  because  '  it  was  one  thing  to  Christianize 
heathen,  and  quite  another  thing  to  humanize  and  hea- 
thenize Christianity.' 

"  Paley  resolved  virtue  into — '  doing  good  to  mankind 
in  obedience  to  the  will  of  God,  ybr  the  sake  of  everlasting 
20* 


234 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


happiness.'  Bolingbroke,  and  the  school  of  infidels  to 
which  he  belonged,  maintained  that  the  '  chief  principle 
of  action  in  every  man  must  be  regard  to  his  own  interest.' 
The  same  sentiment  has  been,  at  different  periods,  main- 
tained by  theologians,  professedly  of  the  Arminian,  as 
well  as  of  the  antinomian  school.  But  it  has  been  a  sub- 
ject of  no  small  surprise  to  many,  that  the  following  state- 
ment should  be  made  by  a  professed  Calvinist,  at  this 
day  : — '  This  self-love  or  desire  of  happiness,  is  the  pri- 
mary cause  or  reason  of  all  acts  of  preference  or  choice, 
which  fix  supremely  on  any  object.'  Again,  '  the  being, 
constituted  with  a  capacity  for  happiness,  desires  to  be 
happy  ;  and  knowing  that  he  is  capable  of  deriving  hap- 
piness from  different  objects,  considers  from  which  the 
greatest  happiness  may  be  derived ;  and  as  in  this  respect 
he  judges,  or  estimates  their  relative  value,  so  he  chooses, 
or  prefers  the  one  or  the  other,  as  his  chief  good.'  Again, 
the  feelings  of  the  sinner  under  the  influence  of  self-love, 
are  represented  during  a  process  adapted  to  e.xcite  intense 
interest,  till  at  last — '  he  is  ivilling  to  fix,  and  does  in  fact 
fix  the  eye  of  contemplation  upon  the  object  of  holy  affec- 
tion, and  does,  with  such  glimpses  of  its  glories  as  he  may 
obtain,  feel  their  attractions,  and  summon  his  heart  to  that 
love  of  God  his  Saviour,  which  is  the  only  condition  of  his 
mercy.' 

"  This  language  certainly  is  not  so  precise  as  one  could 
wish  ;  but  it  seems  unavoidable  to  understand  it  as  mean- 
ing ;  '  That  regard  to  his  own  happiness  is  the  primary 
and  proper  spring  of  action,  in  every  man  ;  that  his  moral 
character  is  determined  solely  by  the  object  of  his  choice, 
or  his  estimate  of  his  own  interest,  as  correct  or  incorrect ; 
that  if  he  chooses  the  world  as  his  chief  good,  from  self- 
love,  he  is  an  unholy  man  ;  but  if  he  chooses  God,  from 
self-love,  he  is  a  regenerate  man.'    And  by  that  voluntary 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  235 


act,  in  which  he^rst  prefers  God  to  the  world  from  regard 
to  his  own  interest,  he  becomes  regenerate. 

"  Now  I  have  always  supposed  that  where  a  man 
chooses  one  thing  for  the  sake  of  another,  as  when  he 
'  eats  or  drinks  for  the  glory  of  God,'  the  latter  is  the 
chief,  and  the  other  a  subordinate  object  of  regard.  In 
some  cases  the  subordinate  is  not  chosen  at  all  for  its  own 
sake,  as  where  a  bitter  drug  or  the  amputation  of  a  limb, 
is  chosen  to  save  life.  At  the  most,  therefore,  if  he  who 
loves  God,  does  so  with  an  ultimate  regard  to  his  own 
happiness ;  and  if  he  '  who  chooses  the  happiness  of 
others,  does  so  for  the  happiness  he  expects  in  seeing 
others  happy,'  (as  the  above  mentioned  writer  believes,) 
he  makes  God  and  his  neighbor  the  secondary,  and  him- 
self the  j^rj/war^/  and  cAzV/"  object  of  his  regard. 

"  What  then  is  the  standard  of  duty  ?  We  have  been 
accustomed  to  answer,  the  divine  law.  What  does  this 
require?  'Thou  shalt  love'  (not  thyself,  but)  'the 
Lord  thy  God — with  all  thy  heart.'  Say  that  I  exercise 
love  to  God,  not  because  he  requires  it,  not  because  he 
deserves  it,  but  from  the  same  motive  as  that  with  which 
I  have  loved  wealth  or  worldly  honor,  namely,  a  desire  of 
my  own  happiness  ;  will  God  alloVv  it,  will  common  sense 
allow  it  to  be  a  fulfilment  of  this  great  command  ? 
Plainly,  this  would  be  to  fix  my  supreme  love  not  on  God 
but  on  myself. 

"  But  is  it  the  object,  or  is  it  the  Diotivc  of  a  voluntary 
affection,  that  determines  its  character  ?  Its  motive  cer- 
tainly. This  is  coincident  with  its  supreme  object,  but  not 
with  its  subordinate.  I  might  choose  to  be  burnt  at  the 
stake  ;  but  who  could  say  whether  this  subordinate  choice 
is  holy  or  sinful,  without  knowing  the  ulterior  motive  ; — 
whether  it  is  to  get  honor  to  myself,  or  to  do  honor  to 
Christ?  So  if  I  choose  God,  the  state  of  my  heart  is 
determined  by  the  governing  motive :  is  it  because  I  love 


236 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


his  holy  character  ]  Then  my  choice  is  holy.  Is  it  be- 
cause he  can  make  me  happy  ?  The  ultimate  regard  of 
my  heart  (my  motive)  is  not  to  God  but  myself. 

"  But  is  it  wrong  for  me  to  regard  my  own  interest  ? 
No — I  am  commanded  to  do  it,  by  Him  who  made  me 
the  special  guardian  of  my  own  life  and  happiness  ;  and 
required  of  me  duties  to  my  own  soul,  and  my  immediate 
connections,  which  no  one  else  can  perform.  But  my 
self-love  must  be  regulated  by  a  proper  regard  to  God, 
and  the  interests  of  the  universe  ;  and  of  course  must  not 
be  the  '  primary  cause  '  of  my  moral  preferences ;  it  must 
not  exalt  myself  above  the  creation  around  me,  and  the 
Creator  too. 

"Any  man  may  use  language  so  as  not  to  express  his 
meaning.  But  deliberately  to  admit  that  self-love  must  be 
the  primary  ground  of  moral  affection,  is  to  supersede  all 
intelligent  discussion  about  regeneration,  or  any  of  the 
kindred  doctrines  of  grace.  This  one  principle  sweeps 
the  whole  away.  There  remains  no  radical  distinction  of 
character  between  the  saint  and  the  sinner.  The  most 
depraved  individual  on  earth,  or  even  among  apostate 
spirits,  doubtless  is  the  centre  of  his  own  affections.  And 
though  he  may  have  perverted  views  of  what  is  his  real 
interest,  he  means  notwithstanding  to  act,  and  does  act 
from  a  'primary'  regard  to  himself  And  if  this  is  the 
highest  principle  of  action  to  a  holy  being,  then  an  angel 
and  a  devil  stand  on  the  same  ground,  as  to  moral  char- 
acter ; — in  other  words,  there  is  no  distinction  between 
holiness  or  sin. 

"  Besides,  this  theory  would  split  the  moral  system  into 
as  many  jarring  parts,  with  as  many  centres  of  'primary' 
affection,  as  it  contains  individuals.  It  would  set  every 
moral  agent  at  variance  with  every  other  moral  agent,  and 
with  God  himself  Whereas,  the  simple  precept,  '  Thou 
shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  with  all  thy  heart,' — sets  up 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  037 


another  standard  in  every  bosom.  It  establishes  a  common 
centre  of  moral  affection  to  the  universe  of  moral  agents ; 
and  binds  the  hearts  of  all  to  each  other,  and  to  the  throne 
of  Jehovah. 

"  I  intended  to  analyze  the  '  self-love  theory,'  in  its 
practical  bearings  on  revivals,  and  its  tendency  to  subvert 
all  correct  views  as  to  special  divine  influence.  I  intended 
to  show  how  easy  it  is  for  a  man,  who  has  been  thoroughly 
alarmed  with  fears  of  hell,  to  become  persuaded  that  God 
is  his  friend  and  will  make  him  happy  ;  and  thus  to  feel 
that  he  loves  God,  when  no  spiritual  change  whatever  has 
taken  place  in  his  heart.  I  intended  to  show  how  easy 
it  is  for  such  a  man  to  mistake  his  '  love  of  happiness' 
and  his  choice  of  heaven,  for  conversion,  while  he  has  no 
'love  of  holiness.'  But  I  must  forbear  to  extend  these 
remarks." 

In  connection  with  the  foregoing  expression  of  Dr.  Por- 
ter's religious  opinions,  we  ought  perhaps  to  cite  his 
remarks  from  the  same  communication,  respecting  "  a 
few  things  in  our  theological  and  pulpit  phraseology," 
the  tendency  of  which  he  feared  was  "  to  obscure,  if 
not  to  subvert,  the  scriptural  doctrine  of  special  divine  in- 
fluence." 

"  Probably  there  is  some  significance  in  the  fact,  that 
many  preachers  of  the  younger  class,  often  mention  in 
their  sermons  repentance,  conversion,  &c.,  while  they 
rarely  if  ever  use  the  word  regeneration.  They  consider 
these  words,  however,  as  synonymous,  though  the  authority 
of  biblical  and  theological  usage  decides  otherwise.  It  is 
agreed  on  all  hands,  that  the  sinner  is  under  immediate 
obligation  to  love  God  and  repent ;  and  that  the  only  ob- 
stacle to  his  doing  this,  is  his  supreme  love  of  sin.  Now 
when  this  obstacle  is  removed,  and  the  love  of  God  begins 
in  his  heart,  by  what  agency  does  it  begin  ?    Is  it  his  own 


238 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


agency  or  tliat  of  God,  in  which  the  change  originates  ? 
The  Bible  ascribes  it  to  God,  and  the  change  it  calls  re- 
generalion;  distinguishing  by  this  term  that  beginning  of 
holy  afiection  in  the  heart  by  divine  influence,  from  the 
continuance  and  development  of  holy  affection  under  the 
same  influence,  which  is  called  conversion,  sanctification, 
&c.  Hence  we  say,  as  the  Bible  does,  concerning  a 
man — he  repented  ;  but  the  Bible  never  teaches  us  to  say, 
and  we  never  presume  to  say,  '  he  regenerated  himself.' 
The  words  are  no  more  exactly  synonymous  in  Christian 
experience,  than  in  technical  theology.  To  illustrate  my 
meaning  by  an  analogy  which  is  certainly  imperfect,  (as 
analogies  must  be  on  this  subject,)  in  the  call,  '  Lazarus 
come  forth' — the  voice,  the  re-aniniating  influence  was  of 
God ; — the  rising,  and  coming  forth,  was  the  act  of  Laz- 
arus. Substantially  the  same  difference  exists  between 
regeneration  and  repentance.  Regeneration,  the  work  of 
God  on  the  heart,  is  done  but  once;  repentance  is  needed 
daily.  God's  breathing  into  Adam  the  breath  of  life,  so 
that  he  became  a  living  soul,  was  done  but  once;  Adam's 
breathing  and  living  was  a  continuous  exercise  of  his  vital 
functions.  Man  is  created  but  once,  horn  but  once,  but 
lives  and  walks  daily.  The  Christian  is  'created  anew' 
and  '  born  again,'  but  once,  but  repents  every  day  of  his 
life. 

"  The  practical  bearing  of  these  remarks  is  this;  some 
preachers  speak  of  the  sinner's  'conversion,'  '  making  him- 
self a  new  heart,'  &c.  (for  regeneration,  as  I  said,  is  a 
term  they  avoid,)  by  a  formal  act  of  his  own  will,  resolving 
to  do  it.  Accordingly  conversion  is  put  on  a  footing  with 
any  common  transaction  in  which  a  man  changes  his 
mind.  And  the  representations  of  a  change  of  heart,  as 
being  a  great,  and  serious,  and  difficult  thing,  are  treated 
with  an  air  of  flippant  severity,  sometimes  approaching  to 
profaneness.    But  this  loose,  indefinite  mode  of  describing 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  239 


conversion,  be  the  preacher's  motive  ever  so  good,  is  cer- 
tainly liable  to  great  and  dangerous  misapprehension. 
Regeneration,  in  its  grave  and  scriptural  import,  may  be 
synonymous  with  conversion,  but  not  with  conversion  as 
thus  described.  It  is  holiness  and  heaven  begun  in  the 
soul  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  No  regenerate  man  will  be 
lost.  But  a  man  may  be  converted  from  Mohammedanism 
to  Christianity,  and  be  lost.  He  may  be  converted  from 
Unitarianism  to  Calvinism,  and  be  lost ; — converted  from 
levity  to  thoughtfulness,  and  from  thoughtfulness  to  deep 
anxiety — and  yet  be  lost.  Nay,  he  may  be  converted 
from  perfect  indifference,  or  violent  opposition  to  the 
gospel,  into  a  joyful  believer  that  he  is  an  heir  of  salva- 
tion, and  yet  be  lost. 

"  Now  when  I  hear  a  sinner  told  from  the  pulpit,  that 
'conversion  is  a  mere  volition  —  a  mere  making  up  of  his 
mind  to  embrace  religion  : — that  the  change  of  his  heart 
is  wholly  an  affair  of  his  own  will,'  &c.,  I  am  not  sure 
that  the  sentiment  intended  to  be  taught  is  wrong;  but  I 
am  quite  sure  that  the  practical  tendency  of  such  language 
is  to  mislead  this  sinner  as  to  his  dependence  on  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  to  cherish  in  him  a  presumptuous  reliance  on 
himself.  Especially  is  it  so,  when,  to  give  prominence  to 
his  own  voluntary  agency  in  his  conversion,  the  change  of 
heart  is  represented  as  a  thing  perfectly  easy  to  himself, 
but  entirely  beyond  the  reach  of  omnipotence,  except  as 
eflFected  by  the  spontaneous  movement  of  his  own  will  ; 
God  being  unable  to  control  his  moral  exercises,  consis- 
tently with  his  freedom  as  a  moral  agent.  Edwards, 
"speaking  of  views  similar  to  these,  says,  '  Thus  our  own 
holiness  is  from  ourselves,  as  its  determining  cause,  and 
its  original  and  highest  source. — Man  is  not  dependent  on 
God,  but  God  is  rather  dependent  on  man  in  this  affair; 
for  he  only  operates  consequentially  in  acts,  in  which  he 
depends  on  what  he  sees  we  determine  and  do  first. — 


240 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


What  can  more  effectually  encourage  the  sinner  in  present 
delays  and  neglects,  and  embolden  him  to  go  on  in  sin,  in 
a  presumption  of  having  his  own  salvation  at  all  times  at 
his  command.' 

"  When  it  is  said,  '  It  is  as  easy  for  a  sinner  to  repent, 
as  to  remain  impenitent,'  the  meaning  may  be  right,  but 
the  language  is  not  proper  for  the  pulpit.  There  is  no 
difficulty  for  a  man  to  choose  that  to  which  his  whole 
heart  is  inclined  ;  but  is  it  as  easy  for  him,  to  counteract 
all  the  moral  habits,  affections  and  inclinations  of  his 
heart,  as  to  comply  with  these?  The  doctrine  of  free 
agency  is  to  be  maintained  by  appeals  to  consciousness, 
experience,  and  common  sense not  to  absurdity.  Ga- 
briel is  a  free  agent ;  but  who  would  think  it  proper  to 
illustrate  his  free  agency,  by  affirming  that,  '  it  is  as  easy 
for  him  to  blaspheme  God,  as  to  praise  him  ?' 

"  As  to  the  expression  which  represents  conversion  as 
consisting  in  '  the  sinner's  making  up  his  mind  to  serve 
God;'  — though  the  preacher's  meaning  may  be  correct, 
(as  it  certainly  may  be,) — the  effect  is  that  of  a  colloquial 
caricature  of  a  sacred,  scriptural  truth.  I  mean  that  such 
is  the  effect,  when  this  and  other  forms  of  expression  are 
so  employed,  as  virtually  to  leave  out  of  view  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  reduce  the  sinner's  moral  renovation  to  the 
fiimiliar  level  of  an  ordinary  transaction.  During  those 
revivals  which  I  have  described,  a  certain  minister,  in  a 
sermon  on  the  new  birth,  summed  up  his  statement  of  the 
doctrine  thus  :  '  All  I  know  concerning  regeneration  is, 
for  one  to  draw  up  strong  resolutions  to  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  God.'  This  man  was  an  avowed  disbe- 
liever in  .special,  divine  influence.  At  that  day  no  one 
anticipated,  that  in  thirty  years,  substantially  the  same 
language  would  be  employed  by  '  revival  preachers,'  to 
describe  a  change  of  heart. 

"  The  ample  scope  given  to  my  remarks,  in  the  forego- 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  241 


ing  letters,  has  aiisen  from  a  deep  conviction  that  the 
doctrines  of  grace,  embraced  by  our  Pilgrim  fathers,  and 
regarded  as  fundamental,  in  the  churches  which  they  es- 
tablished, must  owe  their  preservation  and  perpetuity 
amongst  us,  in  no  small  degree,  to  the  influence  of  Chris- 
tian ministers.  Just  so  far  as  these  doctrines  are  modified, 
from  a  love  of  philosophical  theories,  or  from  conformity  to 
a  vitiated  taste,  the  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Spirit  will 
forsake  our  churches,  and  our  ministrations  w  ill  cease  to 
be  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  perishing  souls. 
All  who  wish  to  see  an  uncorrupted  Christianity  handed 
down  to  coming  generations,  should  guard  against  open 
attacks  on  its  vital  truths,  and  against  equivocal  forms  of 
expression  by  which  the  simplicity  and  power  of  these 
truths  may  be  obscured,  and  gradually  subverted." 

In  the  conclusion  of  the  letter  from  which  the  pre- 
ceding extracts  are  taken.  Dr.  Porter  remarks : — 

"  I  must  however  add  one  caution  in  closing  these  Let- 
ters. While  it  has  been  my  object  to  call  your  attention  to 
several  things  which  I  think  doubtful,  and  to  others  which  I 
think  decidedly  wrong,  in  modes  of  preaching  and  conduct- 
ing revivals ; — I  would  by  all  means  advise  you  to  avoid  that 
hesitating  and  paralyzing  apprehension,  which  leads  a  min- 
ister to  be  so  much  afraid  of  being  wrong,  as  to  do  nothing. 
Under  God,  the  ministers  of  the  nineteenth  century  have 
a  mighty  work  to  accomplish.  Our  own  vast  country  is 
to  be  brought  under  the  influence  of  the  gospel.  The 
wide  world  is  to  be  evangelized.  The  day  of  slumber  is 
past.  The  sacramental  host  of  God's  elect  are  marshal- 
ed in  arms,  and  wait  for  ministers  to  lead  them  on  to  vic- 
tory. Gird  on  your  armor  then,  soldiers  of  the  cross  ! 
The  Captain  of  salvation  heads  the  van,  having  on  his 
vesture  and  on  his  thigh  a  name  written.  King  of  Kings, 
AND  Lord  op  Lords  !  He  has  gone  forth  in  the  triumphs 
21 


242 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


of  his  grace,  conquering  and  to  conquer.  Stubborn  hearts, 
in  numbers  unexampled,  bow  before  the  all-subduincr  in- 
fluences of  his  Spirit.  From  the  east  and  west,  from  the 
north  and  south,  glad  voices  are  heard  to  mingle  in  songs 
of  salvation.  "  Awake  O  Zion,  put  on  thy  strength  !" — 
"  Arise,  shine,  for  thy  light  is  come  ;  and  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  is  risen  upon  thee !"  The  great  battle  of  God  Al- 
mighty will  succeed  these  wonderful  effusions  of  his 
Spirit.  Wo  to  those  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  who  shall 
withstand  all  the  overtures  of  the  Redeemer's  mercy,  and 
be  found  at  last,  among  the  incorrigible  despisers  of  his 
grace! — whom  the  Lord  will  destroy  with  the  breath  of 
his  mouth  and  the  brightness  of  his  coming  ! 

"  Affectionately,  yours,  6lc. 

"  E.  Porter." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER  COntillUcd. 

Characteristics  as  a  Teacher  in  a  theological  seminary — Views  of 
adequate  training  for  the  Christian  ministry — Of  the  labors  and 
responsibility  of  his  department — Disadvantages  under  which  he 
prosecuted  study — Habits  of  exercise— Intercourse  with  hia 
pupils — Mode  of  giving  instruction— Estimate  of  a  good  delivery 
— Theory  respecting  moral  tones  and  inflections — Letter  from 
one  of  his  pupils. 

To  the  portraiture  of  Dr.  Porter's  professional  charac- 
ter, belong  also  his  characteristics  as  a  teacher  and 
presiding  officer  of  a  theological  seminary.  Among  these, 
a  deep  feeling  of  responsibility  and  entire  devotedness  to 
his  work,  were  prominent. 

Adequate  training  for  the  Christian  ministry,  embraced 
in  his  view,  much  more  than  correct  doctrinal  sentiments, 
or  ability  to  impart  instruction  to  others  ; — it  embraced 
the  formation  of  a  character,  which  should  itself  most 
eloquently  teach  the  divine  requirements.  "  The  best 
commentary,"  he  remarks,  "  on  the  religion  taught  by  a 
minister,  is,  that  first  of  all  it  makes  himself  a  good  man. 
His  hearers  do  demand,  and  ought  to  demand  that  he  shall 
live  what  he  preaches.  '  Who  would  listen  to  a  Diotrephes 
condemning  ambition  ;  or  to  a  Pharisee  condemning 
hypocrisy  ? '    Words  are  cheap  :  splendid  professions  are 


244 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


empty  tilings.  Let  the  man  possess  the  love  of  God  in  his 
own  soul.  This  will  give  sanctity  and  weight  to  his  life, 
his  language,  his  very  looks."  The  station  of  a  teacher 
in  any  department  of  theological  education.  Dr.  Porter 
considered  a  place  of  most  solemn  responsibility,  as  ex- 
erting a  direct  and  extensive  influence,  favorable  or  unfa- 
vorable in  the  formation  of  ministerial  character.  Of  the 
peculiar  labors  and  responsibility  of  the  department  as- 
signed to  him,  we  may  learn  something  of  his  views  from 
a  communication  to  the  trustees,  in  which  he  says  : — 

"  All  the  attainments  that  are  made  in  other  depart- 
ments, are  to  be  exhibited  in  this.  The  public  know 
nothing  of  our  students  as  to  biblical  or  theological  learn- 
ing, except  what  appears  in  their  capacity  to  write  or 
speak.  This  department  is  therefore,  in  an  important 
sense  made  responsible  for  the  character  and  influence  of 
the  seminary.  It  is  besides  attended  with  more  intrinsic 
difficulties  than  any  other  branch  of  instruction.  So  the 
Creator  has  been  pleased  to  arrange  his  gifts,  that  there 
are  five  men  capable  of  being  distinguished  in  intellectual 
studies,  to  one  that  can  become  conspicuous  in  oratory. 
The  systems  of  academical  education  in  modern  ages, 
have  i)eeti  generally  unfriendly  to  high  attainments  in  this 
art,  being  adapted  to  cultivate  the  understanding  ;  but  to 
repress  rather  than  cherish  the  emotions  of  the  youthful 
bosom.  In  some  of  our  colleges  the  business  of  taste  and 
of  elocution  stands  on  a  very  respectable  footing ;  in  others, 
it  is  greatly  neglected  ;  and  in  none  of  them  does  it  re- 
ceive a  tenth  part  of  that  attention  which  made  the  orators 
of  ancient  days.  Considering  the  state  of  our  minor 
academies,  and  the  limited  resources  which  most  of  our 
colleges  pos.sess,  I  am  not  disposed  to  find  fault  that  no 
more  is  accomplished  on  this  subject.  I  only  state  the 
fact  as  it  is,  and  the  consequence  unavoidably  resulting 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


245 


from  it,  that  not  a  few  of  our  students  come  to  us  with 
habits  both  of  writing  and  speaking  that  are  positively 
bad. 

"  Here  too,  other  important  branches  of  study  engross 
the  first  year  and  the  second ;  so  that  in  these,  only  a 
subordinate  attention  can  be  paid  to  sacred  rhetoric.  In 
the  third  year,  it  becomes  the  primary  business ;  but  the 
students'  minds  are  then  in  a  far  less  favorable  state  for 
successful  efforts,  than  in  the  commencement  of  their 
course.  The  novelty  of  the  place  and  of  the  system  are 
worn  away  ;  health  and  spirits  are  in  many  cases  ex- 
hausted at  the  close  of  ten  years'  application.  In  some, 
zeal  for  preaching,  and  in  all,  desire  to  make  various 
arrangements  preparatory  to  entering  on  their  profession 
for  life,  renders  the  summer  term  nearly  useless  to  the 
senior  class,  for  study. 

"  There  is  another  consideration  which  has  an  impor- 
tant bearing  on  this  department ;  namely,  that  while  it 
requires  a  system  of  precepts,  it  is  to  be  taught  as  an 
art  rather  than  as  a  science.  After  all  the  use  that  can 
be  made  of  text  books,  and  rules,  and  authorities,  the 
advancement  of  the  student  both  in  writing  and  delivery, 
depends  essentially  on  practice.  It  is  this  that  constitutes 
the  endless  labor  in  this  branch  of  instruction.  Classical 
exercises  must  be  maintained  as  in  the  other  departments, 
but  to  these  must  be  superadded  a  system  of  individual 
instruction,  such  as  is  not  required  in  any  other  business 
of  the  seminary.  In  regard  to  the  more  extended  of  these 
exercises,  such  as  the  criticism  of  sermons,  the  attention 
to  each  pupil  costs  more  labor  than  is  ordinarily  required 
of  any  professor  in  meeting  a  class.  The  amount  of  labor 
in  instructing  a  large  class,  thus  collectively  and  separ- 
ately, is  not  easily  understood  by  one  who  has  not  made 
the  experiment." 

21* 


246 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER, 


To  the  preceding  statements  it  may  be  added  that  the 
department  of  labor  assigned  to  Dr.  Porter  was  in  some 
respects  7icw,  and  required  that  his  instructions  should 
traverse  a  field,  to  a  considerable  extent  untrodden  by 
any  predecessor.  Not,  indeed,  because  the  subject  of 
sacred  eloquence  has  received  no  attention.  Men  have 
cultivated  this  branch  of  theological  learning  for  centu- 
ries ;  books  have  been  published  in  considerable  numbers, 
many  of  them,  however,  deficient  either  in  the  character 
or  quantity  of  their  contents : — its  importance  too,  by  a 
few,  has  been  duly  appreciated ;  while  by  the  majority 
even  of  professed  scholars,  labor  in  this  department  has 
been  undervalued,  and  by  many  has  been  accounted 
superfluous.*  In  entering  on  an  appropriate  course  of 
study,  the  student  of  sacred  eloquence  can  refer  to  few 
repositories  of  instruction  like  those  accessible  to  the 
student  of  theology  or  biblical  interpretation.  Dr.  Porter 
enjoyed  this  advantage,  however,  that  the  studies  he  was 
required  to  pursue,  were  suited  to  his  taste  and  habits. 
For  them  he  had  long  cherished  ardent  love.    With  many 

*  A  brief  extract  from  tlio  statutes  of  the  seminary  respecting  the 
course  of  instruction  in  the  rlietorical  department,  may  interest  many 
readers.  Tliey  require  that  in  the  department  of  sacred  rhetoric, 
a  competent  number  of  lectures  shall  be  delivered,  "on  the  im- 
portance of  oratory  ;  on  tlie  invention  and  disposition  of  topics;  on 
the  several  parts  of  a  rpftular  discourse;  on  elegance,  composition 
and  dignity  of  style  ;  on  pronunciation  ;  on  the  proper  management 
of  the  voice,  and  correct  gesture  ;  on  the  immense  importance  of  a 
natural  manner;  on  the  rules  to  be  observed  in  composing  a  ser- 
mon, and  on  the  adaptati(jii  of  tiie  principles  and  precepts  of  ancient 
ihetoric  to  this  modern  species  of  oration;  on  the  qualities  in  the 
speaker,  in  his  style,  and  in  his  delivery,  necessary  to  a  finished 
pulpit  orator;  on  the  methods  of  strengthening  the  memory,  and  of 
improving  in  sacred  eloquence;  on  the  ciiaractor  and  style  of  the 
most  ancient  divines,  and  the  best  models  of  imitation,  their  re- 
spective beauties  and  excellencies  in  thought  and  expression  ;  and 
above  all,  on  the  transcendent  simplicity,  beauty,  and  sublimity  of 
the  sacred  writings." 


PROFESSIOiNAL  CHARACTER. 


247 


of  his  duties,  moreover,  as  professor  of  sacred  rhetoric,  his 
experience  in  giving  instruction  to  theological  students 
while  a  pastor,  had  already  rendered  him  familiar.  It 
required  no  effort  on  his  part  to  summon  his  energies  and 
bend  them  to  his  work.  To  it  they  were  devoted  from 
choice  as  well  as  by  direction  of  Providence.  He  felt 
that  in  calling  him  to  this  station,  his  divine  Master  had 
opened  before  him  a  field,  as  well  of  rich  enjoyment,  as  of 
onerous  labor  and  extensive  usefulness. 

The  duties  to  which  Dr.  Porter  was  called  as  an  in- 
structor, the  reader  may  infer  from  the  preceding  extract 
from  his  communication  to  the  trustees,  were  exceedingly 
miscellaneous,  and  therefore  unfavorable  to  severe  appli- 
cation to  study.  The  brief  intervals,  moreover,  which  he 
was  enabled  to  snatch  for  study,  from  the  endless  round 
of  ever  varying  labors,  were  rendered  comparatively  unpro- 
ductive by  bodily  suffering.  Few  men,  we  may  believe, 
in  discharging  professional  duty  and  in  prosecuting 
professional  study,  have  permanently  encountered  more 
disheartening  obstacles  than  those  originating  in  his 
continued  and  often  extreme  infirmity.  To  these  ob- 
stacles any  thing  short  of  irrepressible  love  for  study, 
and  invincible  determination  to  serve  God  to  the  utmost 
of  his  ability,  would  have  yielded.  "  His  enthusiasm  for 
study,"  says  one  of  his  colleagues,  "  was  exceedingly 
great.  Never  have  I  seen  a  desire  burn  more  intensely. 
And  when  he  saw  that  Providence  had  decided  by  his 
state  of  health,  some  years  ago,  that  he  must  abandon  all 
hopes  of  extensive  reading  and  study,  the  struggle  was 
more  than  many  deaths.  I  witnessed  the  painful  contest 
which  agitated  him  to  the  very  bottom  of  his  soul.  But 
piety  gained  the  victory.  Submission  to  the  will  of 
God  was  the  result;  and  peaceful  acquiescence  ever 
continued."    Often  he  was  reduced  to  the  alternative 


348 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


of  neglecting  official  duties  entirely,  or  of  discharging 
them,  especially  the  more  private  duties,  while  exercised 
with  pain  amounting  almost  to  agony.  The  writer  has 
been  informed  by  Mrs.  Porter,  who,  on  account  of  her 
husband's  "  often  infirmities,"  was  much  occupied  in 
attentions  to  him,  that  she  has  frequently  known  him, 
when  confined  by  illness  to  his  bed,  pursue  professional 
reading ;  and  in  some  instances  even  when  her  assistance 
was  indispensable  in  holding  the  books  he  wished  to 
peruse.  At  other  times,  he  would  in  similar  circum- 
stances employ  himself  in  writing.  The  fact  that  under 
such  discouragements  he  made  acquisitions  so  honorable 
to  himself,  and  so  useful  to  others,  is  evidence  that  in 
early  life  his  intellectual  powers  had  been  subjected  to 
judicious  discipline.  When  unable  to  meet  his  class  at 
the  lecture  room,  he  commonly  met  them  in  his  study. 
During  his  frequent  absences,  he  usually  kept  up  his 
course  of  instruction,  by  addressing  letters  to  his  class 
on  the  topics  on  which  he  would  have  lectured. 

Dr.  Porter's  state  of  health  rendered  extreme  caution 
requisite  in  reference  to  bodily  exercise.  To  this,  as 
indispensable  to  his  usefulness,  a  portion  of  his  time  was 
regularly  and  scrupulously  devoted.  Of  walking  he  was 
fond,  and  practiced  it  much  when  his  strength  would 
allow ;  but  his  favorite  exercise  was  riding  on  the  saddle. 
To  this  however,  his  strength  for  some  years  before  his 
death  was  unequal,  and  he  was  obliged  to  employ  a  car- 
riage as  a  substitute.  Of  the  cultivation  of  his  grounds, 
especially  of  his  garden,  which  always  exhibited  une- 
quivocal tokens  of  industry  and  correct  taste,  he  was 
equally  fond.  To  the  use  of  mechanical  tools  he  was 
also  strongly  attached,  and  in  this  way  often  employed 
much  of  the  time  devoted  to  exercise,  whenever  the  state 
of  the  weather  forbade  his  taking  it  abroad.  The  furni- 
ture of  his  study  was  mostly  of  his  own  construction ; 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


249 


indeed  there  was  hardly  a  room  in  his  dwelling  which 
did  not  contain  some  product  of  his  ingenuity,  exhibiting 
a  high  degree  of  mechanical  skill.  When  in  foul  weather 
he  needed  more  vigorous  exercise  than  was  afforded  by 
tiie  ordinary  use  of  mechanical  tools,  he  was  accustomed 
to  resort  to  the  saw  and  the  axe.  So  essential  was 
perfect  regularity  in  taking  his  exercise,  that  he  was 
compelled,  when  otherwise  it  would  have  been  interrupted 
by  the  severe  cold,  to  provide  for  himself  facilities  for 
sawing  and  splitting  wood  in  a  warm  apartment. 

Dr.  Porter's  mode  of  intercourse  with  his  pupils,  was 
of  the  kind  best  suited  to  secure  their  confidence  and 
affection.  He  manifestly  cherished  a  deep  interest  in 
whatever  concerned  their  usefulness  or  happiness.  With 
paternal  solicitude  he  was  ever  ready  to  reprove  the  way- 
ward ;  to  encourage  and  aid  those  struggling  with  poverty; 
to  cheer  the  desponding  ;  to  lend  sympathy  and  counsel 
to  the  subjects  of  bodily  infirmity  In  discharging  these 
various  offices  of  Christian  friendship,  he  conferred  ob- 
ligations on  many  of  his  pupils,  which  in  numerous  in- 
stances were  remembered  and  acknowledged  with  the 
liveliest  gratitude.  Among  those  who  enjoyed  his  special 
friendship  while  at  Andover,  and  his  frequent  and  judi- 
cious counsels  after  entering  their  field  of  labor,  were  many 
missionaries  to  the  heathen,  of  whom  a  part  "  remain  till 
this  present,  but  some  are  fallen  asleep."  In  the  lecture 
room,  his  manner  was  dignified  and  kind.  None  of  his 
pupils  it  is  believed,  were  ever  disposed  to  complain  that 
their  opinions  were  not  treated  by  their  teacher  with 
candor  and  respect.  Conscienciously  refraining  from 
censorious  remarks  himself,  he  forbade  them  in  those  he 
instructed.  Both  by  precept  and  example,  he  encouraged 
in  them,  whether  remarking  on  each  others  sentiments,  or 


250 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Style,  or  utterance,  the  exercise  of  the  meekness  and  be- 
nevolence of  the  gospel. 

In  giving  his  instructions,  particularly  those  which  were 
extemporaneous,  he  was  not  fluent.  At  times,  there  was 
an  unpleasant  hesitancy  in  his  delivery,  the  result  of 
habit,  which  probably  originated  in  unusual  cautiousness. 
This  was  hardly  noticed,  however,  by  one  who  was  ac- 
customed daily  to  listen  to  him;  or  if  noticed,  was  invol- 
untarily overlooked  in  the  assemblage  of  excellencies 
which  characterized  him  as  a  teacher.  His  instructions 
were  uniformly  lucid  and  methodical,  evincing  a  familiar 
acquaintance  with  the  topics  he  was  called  to  discuss, 
derived  from  judicious  reading  and  mature  reflection.  In 
stating  facts  he  was  scrupulously  accurate  ;  in  canvassing 
the  opinions  of  others,  was  candid  and  just ;  in  advancing 
his  positions,  was  deliberate  and  wary,  never  allowing 
himself  to  advocate  theories  of  suspicious  tendency,  or  to 
advance  sentiments  of  whose  correctness  he  entertained 
doubts.  Another  feature  of  his  instructions  was  apposite- 
ness.  His  language  was  chaste,  appropriate,  often  elegant, 
and  at  times,  peculiarly  forcible.  Among  his  qualifica- 
tions as  a  teacher  of  sacred  rhetoric,  one  which  con- 
tributed as  much  perhaps  as  any  other  to  his  useful- 
ness, was  an  ability  to  point  out  with  singular  precision 
and  distinctness  a  fault  in  the  structure  or  diction  of  a 
composition  ;  in  the  enunciation,  or  gesticulation  of  a 
speaker,  united  with  corresponding  skill  in  prescribing 
correctives. 

Fully  convinced  that  much  of  a  preacher's  usefulness 
must  depend  on  his  qualities  as  a  speaker,  Dr.  Porter  felt 
that  no  efforts  which  would  awaken  interest  on  this  subject 
could  be  superfluous.  As  conducive  to  this  end  he  devoted 
much  time  to  an  exercise  in  elocution,  attended  by  small 
parties  of  the  students,  which  he  denominated  "  reading 
clubs."    In  this  exercise  he  was  able  to  specify  faults  and 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


251 


apply  correctives,  with  much  more  ease  and  effect  than  it 
was  possible  to  secure  in  more  public  performances.  With 
the  same  end  in  view,  he  cordially  lent  his  influence  and 
co-operation  in  the  organization  of  a  Rhetorical  Society  in 
the  seminary,  whose  design  was  directly  subsidiary  to  his 
labors.  In  the  incipient  measures  of  this  society,  his 
counsel  exerted  a  controlling  influence ;  and  to  further  its 
objects,  particularly  to  aid  in  establishing  a  library,  he 
contributed  liberally  to  its  funds.  As  an  expression  of 
gratitude  for  his  judicious  counsels  and  munificence,  the 
society  voted  soon  after  its  organization  to  style  itself  the 
'  Porter  Rhetorical  Society.'  Its  influence  in  improving  the 
style  and  elocution  of  its  members,  and  their  power  of  ex- 
temporaneous speaking,  fully  equalled  his  anticipations. 

Dr.  Porter  labored  assiduously  to  impress  on  his  pupils 
correct  precepts  respecting  vocal  tones  and  injlections. 
To  the  adoption  of  a  correct  theory  on  this  subject,  he 
attached  much  more  importance  than  has  been  usual  even 
among  public  speakers.  Though  aware  that  the  attain- 
ment of  a  good  delivery  must  depend  very  much  on  pj-ac- 
tice,  he  believed  no  less  fully  that  in  ordinary  cases  it 
must  depend  equally  on  an  adequate  knowledge  of  princi- 
ples— a  knowledge,  which  may  be  derived  from  books,  or 
from  the  living  teacher,  or  from  a  careful  observation  of 
vocal  exercises.  In  arranging  his  system  of  precepts  on 
this  subject,  he  deserves,  to  a  considerable  extent,  the 
credit  of  originality  :  for  though  he  eagerly  availed  him- 
self of  the  suggestions  of  others,  the  principles  he  incul- 
cated were  chiefly  the  result  of  his  own  reflections. 
The  writer  is  happy  in  being  able  to  furnish  confirmation 
of  this  fact,  in  the  following  letter  from  a  clergyman,  now 
a  Professor  in  a  Theological  Seminary,  who  was  one  of 
Dr.  Porter's  pupils  at  the  time  he  was  preparing  his 
analysis  of  vocal  inflections  for  publication,  and  to  whom 


252 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


he  communicated  the  process  by  which  he  was  led  to 
adopt  the  principles  embraced  in  his  system, 

"  ,  ^pril  14,  1836. 

"  My  dear  Brother, 

"  My  first  recollections  of  Dr.  Porter  carry  me  back 
to  Andover,  to  the  time  when  I  was  a  member  of  the 
junior  class  in  the  seminary,  and  present  him  before  me 
as  he  stood  in  the  pulpit  in  the  ministrations  of  the  Sab- 
bath. This  was  nearly  the  only  spot  in  which  I  then  saw 
him,  and  here  we  almost  always  heard  him  with  admira- 
tion. There  was  a  remarkable  chastity,  purity  and  finish 
in  his  style,  which  gave  a  charm  to  his  discourses,  while 
his  manner  and  delivery,  though  they  marked  not  the 
orator  in  the  common  acceptation  of  the  word,  showed 
the  man  of  feeling,  of  culture,  and  judgment.  His  voice 
was  only  of  common  strength,  having  no  natural  qualities 
to  render  it  peculiarly  suited  to  the  purposes  of  the  public 
speaker.  Yet  his  enunciation  was  so  distinct,  and  so  per- 
fectly accurate  ;  his  emphasis  was  so  appropriate  in  its 
quality,  and  so  justly  laid  ;  his  gesture  so  simple,  so 
natural,  so  graceful,  and  so  exactly  timed  ;  and  his  eye 
was  so  piercing  in  its  gaze,  that  in  those  days  he  was  a 
speaker  of  no  ordinary  merit,  one  who  could  but  delight 
and  enchain  the  cultivated  mind.  I  have  often  thought 
of  Austin's  description  of  correct  speaking,  and  have  as 
often  regarded  it  as  a  true  representation  of  Dr.  Porter's 
elocution  in  his  more  happy  efforts.  '  In  just  articula- 
tion,' says  he,  '  the  words  are  to  be  delivered  out  from  the 
lips  as  beautiful  coins  newly  issued  from  the  mint,  deeply 
and  accurately  impressed,  perfectly  finished,  neatly  struck 
by  the  proper  organs,  distinct,  in  due  succession,  and  of 
due  weight.'* 


*  Austin's  Chironomia. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


253 


"  Dr.  Porter  never  made  a  false  gesture  nor  an  unne- 
cessary one.  His  hand  was  put  forth  '  suiting  the  action 
to  the  word,'  just  when  it  would  produce  the  appropriate 
effect,  and  with  an  ease  and  grace  which  I  have  witnessed 
in  the  same  degree  in  scarcely  any  other  man.  Such  was 
his  speaking  at  this  period  of  his  life.  And  if  at  other 
times  it  was  less  fortunate,  this  may  be  accounted  for  by 
the  ill  health  which  was  his  constant  affliction,  and  by  the 
many  interruptions  incident  to  his  station  which  may  have 
prevented  his  usual  preparation.  The  force  which  he 
could  impart  to  single  words  by  the  accuracy  of  his  em- 
phasis and  inflections  was  the  subject  of  remark  by  every 
student  who  heard  him.  And  they  will  not  soon  forget 
the  power  and  beauty  with  which  he  read  the  fine  pas- 
sages of  Shakspeare,  Milton,  Cowper,  the  holy  Scriptures, 
and  the  psalms  and  hymns  used  in  sacred  worship. 

"  Dr.  Porter  in  his  writings  on  the  tones  and  inflections 
used  in  speaking,  professed  only  to  have  carried  out  and 
rendered  more  perspicuous  those  principles  which  had 
been  exhibited  by  Walker.  Walker  had  published  them 
to  the  world  before  Dr.  Porter  appeared  as  an  author  in 
the  department  of  rhetoric.  But  Walker,  if  we  may  judge 
from  his  writings,  was  far  from  having  clear  ideas  in 
relation  to  many  points  of  his  theory ;  and  his  canons  for 
the  management  of  the  voice,  besides  being  oftentimes 
perfectly  artificial,  are  sometimes  also  so  involved  and 
obscure,  that  it  is  with  the  utmost  difficulty  any  meaning 
can  be  discovered  in  them.  Dr.  Porter  remarked,  at  the 
time  he  published  his  Analysis  of  Rhetorical  Delivery, 
that  he  had  discovered  the  principles  developed  in  that 
book  long  before  he  saw  the  publications  of  Walker. 
Sometime  after  he  commenced  his  ministry,  as  he  said,  he 
made  the  management  of  the  voice  a  subject  of  most 
attentive  study.  He  was  accustomed  to  note  its  changes 
in  conversation  and  in  public  speaking ;  and  as  he  rode 
22 


254 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


from  place  to  place  in  discharge  of  his  ministerial  duties, 
to  make  experiments  with  his  voice,  until  he  discovered 
the  inflections  and  their  use  and  application  in  speaking. 
The  rising  and  falling  slides,  and  the  circumflex,  and  the 
use  of  the  rising  slide  in  tender  emotion,  had  all  been 
ascertained  by  him  by  actual  ex-periment  and  observation. 
In  this  then  he  was  really  an  inventor,  and  before  he  saw 
Walker's  writings,  had  a  more  clear  and  thorough  idea 
of  the  vocal  inflections  than  Walker  himself  I  mention 
this  to  show  that  Dr.  Porter  in  that  particular  branch  of 
elocution,  a  branch  in  which  he  excelled  all  other  men  of 
my  acquaintance,  was  not  a  mere  imitator,  but  an  original 
thinker,  and  that  his  system  of  inflections  was  the  result 
of  his  own  observations. 

"  I  know  that  many  have  doubted  whether  any  good 
effects  result  to  the  public  speaker  from  an  attention  to 
the  system  of  tones  and  inflections  on  the  principles  of 
Dr.  Porter  and  Walker.  Whately  contends  that  this  prac- 
tice completely  fails  of  its  object,  and  even  produces 
oftener  than  not,  effects  the  very  reverse  of  what  is  de- 
signed.* And  it  must  be  confessed  that  many  who 
attempted  to  observe  Dr.  Porter's  rules  when  we  were  his 
pupils,  made  a  very  awkward  and  laborious  business  of 
public  speaking.  But  then,  they  were  poor  speakers  at 
best  from  the  bad  habits  of  early  life,  habits  from  which  it 
was  exceedingly  difficult  to  recover.  A  good  and  delicate 
ear  seems  requisite  in  one  who  would  successfully  speak 
on  the  principles  of  Dr.  Porter,  and  care  should  be  used 
that  the  inflections  be  not  made  the  whole  of  public  speak- 
ing, and  that  the  whole  matter  be  not  overdone.  They 
appear  to  me  to  be  exceedingly  useful  in  enabling  a  stu- 
dent to  detect  his  own  bad  habits,  and  in  pointing  out 


*  Richard  Whately,  D.  D.  Elements  of  Rhetoric.  Cambridge, 
1832.  p.  260. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  255 


their  remedy.  They  should  be  used  in  private  practice 
and  study.  But  when  a  speaker  comes  before  the  public, 
he  is  to  forget  himself  and  his  manner,  and  aim  only  to 
communicate  his  thoughts  and  warm  emotions  to  his 
hearers.  The  results  of  private  study  will  appear  in  public 
delivery.  But  it  will  be  exceedingly  offensive  if  there  is 
any  appearance  in  the  speaker  of  contrivance  and  artifice, 
and  if  he  should  seem  to  be  preparing  to  give  the  falling 
slide  here,  the  rising  there,  and  the  circumflex  there ; 
here  to  speak  fast,  and  there  slow  ;  here  soft  and  there 
loud  ;  here  to  put  forth  a  beautiful  gesture,  and  there  a 
violent  one.  The  ambassador  of  God,  sent  to  propose  a 
reconciliation  with  him,  and  to  point  out  to  revolted  men 
the  way  of  return,  must  only  be  occupied  with  this  when 
he  stands  up  to  address  dying  men. 

"  With  much  affection, 

"  Your  friend  and  brother." 


CHAPTER  XV. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER — Continued. 

Characteristics  as  a  presiding  officer  of  a  theological  seminary — 
Testimony  of  his  colleague — First  object  to  promote  the  growth 
of  piety  in  his  pupils — Views  of  its  importance — Memoranda 
of  pastoral  conversations — His  interests  identified  with  those  of 
the  seminary — Anxiety  that  theological  education  should  be 
thorough  —  Concern  respecting  the  rights  of  Congregational 
churches — Illustrations  of  their  corporate  capacity. 

As  a  presiding  officer  of  the  theological  seminary,  Dr. 
Porter  was  watchful  over  the  interests  committed  to  his 
supervision.  In  his  view,  it  was  a  point  which  admitted 
not  of  discussion,  that  an  energetic  and  faithful  execu- 
tion of  the  laws  of  any  public  institution,  literary  or 
religious,  is  indispensable  to  its  permanent  prosperity. 
Accordingly  in  enforcing  the  regulations  of  the  seminary, 
he  was  systematic,  vigilant,  decided,  and  impartial.  In 
vain  did  the  delinquent  expect  undue  favor  from  him  on 
any  ground.  Yet  so  manifestly  equitable  and  benevolent 
was  his  administration,  that  prejudice  itself  could  rarely 
find  pretence  for  the  slightest  censure.  Dr.  Porter  used 
to  say  that  he  could,  in  most  cases,  predict  the  subsequent 
character  and  success  of  an  individual,  from  his  habits  in 
respect  to  diligence  and  punctuality  in  the  seminary. 
"  In  his  office  as  President,"  says  one  of  his  colleagues, 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  257 


"  we  can  never  expect  any  one  to  excel  him.  Nothing 
important  was  wanting.  Every  thing  was  done  and  well 
done,  that  needed  to  be  done."  To  the  same  qualities 
which  designated  him  for  the  executive  department  in  the 
seminary,  we  are  doubtless  to  attribute  the  frequency  with 
which  he  was  called  to  preside  in  the  deliberations  of 
public  bodies. 

Pastoral  labor  in  a  theological  seminary,  has  a  direct 
influence  in  forming  the  character  of  successive  genera- 
tions of  ministers,  and  thus  must  contribute  eminently  in 
giving  tone  to  the  piety  and  efficiency  of  the  church.  In 
no  circumstances  therefore,  can  piety  and  wisdom  be  more 
imperiously  demanded;  in  none  can  their  exercise  be  fol- 
lowed by  more  important  results.  In  his  pastoral  inter- 
course with  the  students,  to  which  in  common  with  his 
colleagues  he  was  called,  Dr.  Porter  was  wont,  first  of  all, 
to  urge  upon  them  the  cultivation  of  personal  piety — an 
object  with  a  primary  reference  to  which  all  his  labors 
were  performed.  He  sometimes  remarked,  "I  would 
rather  one  of  my  friends  should  be  an  honest  tinker,  than 
a  minister  without  piety."  Alluding  to  this  subject  in  a  let- 
ter, he  says, — "  The  junior  class  I  understand  is  about  sixty. 
You  know  enough  of  my  heart  to  be  assured,  that  this  fact 
interests  me  deeply.  The  prosperity  of  our  beloved  semi- 
nary will  give  joy  to  my  heart,  while  it  rejoices  in  any  thing. 
But  still  I  rejoice  with  trembling.  If  the  presence  of  God  is 
not  granted  in  abundant  measures  to  the  seminary,  the 
augmentation  of  numbers  w  ill  be  a  calamity  to  the  church. 
Far  be  the  day,  when  the  ambition  to  be  fine  gentlemen 
and  fine  scholars  shall  supplant  the  spirit  of  piety  in  that 
blessed  spot,  whose  chief  glory  has  hitherto  been  a  suc- 
cession of  men  of  kindred  spirit  with  Brainerd,  Buchanan 
and  Martyn."  We  cannot  resist  the  temptation  to  quote 
the  expression  of  Dr.  Porter's  views  on  this  subject,  from 
22* 


358 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


the  conclusion  of  one  of  his  Lectures,  which  though  pub- 
lished elsewhere,  probably  will  not  be  accessible  to  many 
into  whose  hands  this  volume  may  fall. 

"  In  all  the  sacrifices  incident  to  frail  health  and  resi- 
dence among  strangers,  my  heart  has  been  exhilarated  in 
reviewing  my  relations  to  this  seminary,  not  so  much  from 
those  marks  of  prosperity  which  attract  public  notice — 
not  so  much  from  the  elegance  of  its  buildings,  the  amount 
of  its  funds,  or  the  growing  number  of  its  students,  as 
from  the  decided  character  oi  piety,  which  I  trust  has 
prevailed  within  its  walls.  It  is  when  I  think  that  many 
young  ministers  who  are  burning  and  shining  lights  in  our 
own  country  ;  it  is  when  I  look  to  oui;  missionary  stations 
abroad,  and  think  that  many  of  those  whom  the  American 
church  has  sent  to  assault  the  strong  holds  of  paganism, 
were  the  sons  of  Andover ;  it  is  when  I  recollect  that 
these  men,  and  others  of  like  spirit,  once  occupied  these 
rooms,  and  kneeled  in  these  closets,  which  are  consecrated 
to  the  same  sacred  purposes  through  succeeding  genera- 
tions, that  my  heart  cleaves  with  inviolable  attachment  to 
tliis  hill  of  Zion.  Just  so  far  as  each  successive  class 
.shall  continue  to  furnish  men  of  this  character  ;  and  shall 
give  new  proof,  from  year  to  year,  that  substantial  learn- 
ing, embellishment  of  taste,  and  fervor  of  holy  zeal  may 
be  combined  in  the  ministers  of  Christ ;  we  have  a  guar- 
antee that  the  Simeons  and  Annas  of  our  churches  will 
continue  to  pray  for  us.  In  different  parts  of  this  country^ 
there  are  many  ministers  of  solid  sense  and  information, 
who  have  risen  by  the  strength  of  their  own  character  to 
distinguished  usefulness  and  influence,  and  that  with  in- 
ferior early  advantages.  These  ministers,  and  the  body  of 
intelligent  Christians  with  whom  they  are  connected,  will 
give  us  the  aid  of  their  confidence  and  their  prayers,  no 
further  than  they  see  evidence,  that  literary  acquisitions 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


259 


are  sanctified  by  a  predomihant  character  of  piety  in  out 
students.  God  forbid  that  these  churches,  reared  by  the 
Hookers  and  Mathers  of  former  days,  siiouid  ever  be  com- 
pelled to  choose  between  fervid  ignorance  and  scholastic 
apathy  in  the  pulpit.  But  rely  on  it,  if  they  are  not  for- 
saken by  the  Holy  Spirit,  much  as  they  are  disposed  to 
cherish  theological  seminaries,  these  churches,  should  we 
drive  them  to  that  alternative,  will  pass  by  cold  scholars, 
and  prefer  men  of  moderate  learning  with  ardent  piety, 
to  be  their  ministers.  So  it  will  he  ;  and  so  it  oi/gJtt  to  be. 
And  could  the  fathers  of  New  England,  and  the  departed 
founders  of  this  seminary,  speak  from  amid  the  full  light 
which  heaven  reflects  on  the  interests  of  the  church 
below,  they  would  doubtless  say  with  one  voice,  so  let  it  be. 

"On  this  subject  I  feel  myself  to  be  speaking  as  one 
that  must  give  account ;  speaking  to  a  family  of  young 
ministers,  in  whom  a  higher  stamp  of  personal  religion 
ought  to  be  expected,  than  in  any  other  associated  circle, 
of  equal  numbers,  on  the  globe.  To  your  instructors  it 
has  been  given  in  special  charge,  as  their  first  duty,  to 
make  the  cultivation  of  your  7Jie^_y  an  object  of  unremit- 
ted care.  Importai|it  stations  in  the  church,  perhaps  my 
own  office,  or  that  of  my  respected  colleagues,  may  here- 
after devolve  on  some  of  you ;  and  it  should  be  our  most 
earnest  endeavor  to  cherish  in  you  those  principles,  with- 
out which,  even  in  the  humblest  sphere,  we  cannot  hoi>e 
to  see  you  useful  or  happy.  You  see  then,  on  what  my 
best  anticipations  as  to  the  spirit  of  sacred  eloquence  here 
are  suspended.  Could  I  determine  how  far  the  spirit  of 
genuine  devotion  prevails  in  your  hearts  ;  could  I  see  how- 
far  personal  ambition  is  supplanted  by  the  love  of  Christ 
and  of  one  anotlier ;  could  I  inspect  each  closet,  and  take 
the  temperature  of  each  man's  piety  from  day  to  day, — 
then  I  should  be  satisfied  what  progress  to  look  for  in  that 
eloquence,  which  God  will  approve  and  employ  for  the  ad- 


260 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


vancement  of  his  own  cause.  O  could  our  fathers,  Norris, 
Abbot,  and  Spring,  attend  your  rhetorical  exercises,  and 
among  the  catalogue  of  your  names,  could  they  fix  on  one, 
who  aims  to  become  an  eloquent  preacher,  while  he 
neglects  to  commune  with  his  own  heart  and  with  his 
God,  in  secret,  with  what  eyes  think  you  would  they  look 
on  such  a  son  of  their  seminary  !  How,  especially,  could 
his  motives  bear  the  inspection  of  that  eye,  which  as  a 
flame  of  fire  searches  every  heart  !"* 

From  the  following  memoranda  of  Dr.  Porter's  pastoral 
conversations  with  the  students,  the  reader  may  best  learn 
his  mode  of  ascertaining  their  spiritual  wants  and  of  com- 
municating instruction. 

"  General  Subjects  of  Conversation. 

"  1.  Can  you  mention  any  points  in  regard  to  progress 
in  piety,  on  which  students  would  be  most  likely  to  be 
benefitted  by  conversation  with  me  ? 

"2.  What  circumstances  have  you  found  favorable  and 
what  unfavorable  to  tlie  cultivation  of  piety  here  ?  Have 
you  observed  any  difference,  in  different  seasons  of  the 
year? 

"3.  What  books  have  you  found  most  useful  to  promote 
the  spirit  of  piety? 

"4.  What  is  the  influence  of  the  religious  class  meet- 
ing? 

"5.  The  best  times  for  secret  devotion,  and  the  best 
manner  of  conducting  it,  as  to  reading,  &,c. 

"  6.  The  influence  of  study  on  devotional  feeling. 

"  7.  The  influence  of  devotional  feeling  on  study. 

"  8.  How  far  has  your  enjoyment  in  secret  devotion  de- 
pended on  regularity  in  it? 

"  9.  Ingoing  out  from  this  place  and  returning,  do  you 


*  Lecture  V.  on  Eloquence. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  261 


find  the  temperature  of  piety  here  higher  or  lower  tlian 
elsewhere  ? 

"  March  29.  Saturday  evening. — Saw  eight  of  the  junior 
class;  and  found  special  interest  in  remarking  to  them  on 
three  points.  1.  The  importance  of  daily  reading  more  or 
less  of  the  best  dev  otional  books,  especially  the  old  Puritans. 
2.  The  tendency  among  ministers  to  live  on  an  old  hope, 
taking  it  for  granted  that  they  are  Christians,  so  as  to  neg- 
lect self-examination.  3.  The  danger  of  resting  in  an 
intellectual  religion;  in  distinction  from  the  simple  piety 
of  plain  Christians,  that  fastens  on  Christ  with  a  firmness 
of  grasp  that  all  the  skepticism  of  the  world  cannot 
shake. 

"  10.  Divine  guidance. 

"  Examples — A  minister  is  called  to  remove  to  another 
church  ;  a  theological  student  is  doubting  whether  he  shall 
devote  his  life  to  missions  or  to  the  pastoral  work.  He  re- 
members the  direction,  'Commit  thy  way  to  the  Lord,  and 
he  shall  direct  thy  steps.' 

"How  is  this  guidance  to  be  sought?* 

"Negatively  1.  Not  by  casting  lots.  In  the  days  of 
miracles,  this  appeal  to  the  lot,  made  with  solemn  prayer, 
was  proper ;  but  there  is  no  sanction  for  it  in  the  Bible,  as 
an  ordinary  thing,  in  our  times.    It  is  an  appeal,  either 

"  (a)  to  chance,  which  is  atheism,  or 

"  (b)  to  God,  which  is  presumption — i.  e.  as  commonly 
made  concerning  trifles,  and  with  levity  instead  of  reli- 
gious reverence. — Commonly  made  as  to  some  indifferent 
thing  that  must  be  decided,  but  no  matter  how. 

"  Objections  to  this  are — (a)  if  it  is  regarded  as  a  decision 
from  God,  why  not  resort  to  it  with  prayer?  (b)  Why  not 
in  great  cases  where  duty  is  concerned  ?  (c)  Why  not  in 
all  cases,  ecclesiastical,  judicial,  prudential,  &c.  when 


*  A  train  of  thought  similar  to  this,  may  be  found  in  one  of  John 
Newton's  Letters. 


262 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


we  want  a  decision  certainly  right?  (d)  Why  complain 
of  ticket  venders,  and  lotteries  on  a  large  scale? 

"  2.  Not  by  opening  at  random  to  a  text  in  the  Bible. 
This  is  another  sort  of  lottery — is  using  the  Bible  as 
an  amulet,  and  is  a  sort  of  devout.  Christian  atheism, 

"  3.  We  are  not  to  expect  a  new  revelation,  a  voice,  a 
dream. 

"4.  We  are  not  to  expect  special  impressions  in  prayer. 
A  thing  may  be  wrong,  and  yet  we  may  earnestly  desire 
it.  We  cannot  tell  whether  our  friend  in  a  distant  country 
is  alive  or  dead,  from  our  freedom  in  praying  for  him. 

"  This  guidance  is  to  be  sought, 

"Affirmatively, — In  humble  prayer.  It  is  sanctifying, 
divine  influence;  freeing  the  mind  from  selfishness;  ren- 
dering it  candid,  and  open  to  fair,  just  views  of  duty,  as 
learned  from  the  Bible  and  providence. 

"11.  Things  which  tend  to  injure  the  temper  of  the 
theological  student,  as  to  spirituality,  meekness,  candor. 

"  1.  Irritability  and  peevishness,  contracted  by  severe 
study,  bad  health,  indigestion. — In  general,  when  a  man 
is  in  this  state,  he  sheJuld  know  it,  and  talk  hut  little. 

"  2.  Emulation  ; — the  habit  of  setting  up  a  man's  self, 
and  estimating  things  in  relation  to  his  own  interest  or 
influence ; — aspiring  to  influence  by  party  spirit,  or  man- 
agement. 

"3.  A  habit  of  suspecting  the  motives  of  others,  and 
speaking  censoriously  of  their  character. 

"  4.  Disputation,  in  distinction  from  cool  discussion. 

"  (a)  On  important  theological  subjects. — Influence  of 
maintaining  the  wrong  side,  why  bad. 

"  (b)  On  common  subjects  that  come  up  in  the  meetings 
of  the  students  for  business. — The  expediency  of  multi- 
plying such  meetings,  where  collision  and  sharp  debate  are 
expected. — Fraternal  feeling  disturbed. 

"5.  Colloquial  habits  that  cherish  levity  and  frivolity. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  263 


"  (a)  Why  liable  to  exist  here. 
"  (b)  Why  to  be  guarded  against. 
"  12,  Love  to  the  brethren. 

"  Our  students  must  be  instructed  in  the  best  way  to 
examine  their  own  hearts  ;  and  to  instruct  Christians  in 
this  thing.  Dr.  Payson's  manner  is  to  descend  from  gen- 
eral things  to  specific,  e.  g.  'I  am  a  great  sinner,'  is  a 
confession  any  Christian  can  make.  But  it  is  indefinite 
and  unimpressive.  To  feci,  I  must  be  particular.  How 
many  sins  did  I  commit  in  the  first  five  years  of  life  ? 
reckoning  every  unholy  thought,  <!tc.  Then,  how  many 
in  the  next  five?  remembering  what  each  sin  deserves. 

"Or  take  my  own  relations,  1.  To  God  as  my  Creator, 
preserver,  &c.  2.  To  fellow  Christians.  3.  To  natural 
relatives.  4.  To  the  world.  Ramify  them  with  their 
obligations,  and  see  how  many  duties  I  have  neglected, 
and  how  many  sins  committed  in  respect  to  all  these. 

"  Or  take  my  own  faculties  :  reason,  memory,  con- 
science, &c. — Of  body  too,  eyes,  ears,  hands.  How  often 
has  each  been  perverted  ? 

"  Or  requisitions  of  the  divine  law,  as  to  God,  my 
neighbor,  and  myself  The  requisitions  of  the  gospel 
too. 

"  This  kind  of  self-examination  must  not  be  hurried 
over.  Particulars  must  he  Jixcd  in  the  eye,  and  spread 
out,  till  the  soul  is  humbled,  and  brought  to  the  cross. 
By  such  a  process  a  church  may  come  profitably  to  renew 
covenant,  and  to  grow  in  grace  by  seasons  of  fasting  and 
prayer." 

Dr.  Porter's  interests  became  identified  with  those  of 
the  seminary.  In  a  letter  written  some  years  before  his 
death,  he  remarks  : — "  It  is  enough  to  say  of  Andover, 
that  among  earthly  interests,  that  is  the  centre  of  my  affec- 
tions.   I  think  of  it  with  the  same  intense,  though  not  with 


264 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


the  same  melancholy  remembrance,  as  the  Israelites  in 
Babylon  thought  of  their  temple  and  beloved  city.  There 
is  no  reason  why  I  should  be  gloomy.  Though  I  am  at 
present  in  exile,  my  beloved  city  is  not  in  ruins,  but  in 
great  prosperity.  My  own  interests  too  for  time  and  eter- 
nity, are  in  so  good  hands,  that  I  would  not  commit  them 
to  other  keeping  if  I  could."  "Of  our  beloved  seminary, 
my  heart  daily  says,  '  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let 
my  right  hand  forget  her  cunning,'  &c."  For  the  sake 
of  the  seminary,  much  more  than  for  his  own,  he  desired 
the  enjoyment  of  health  ;  and  his  infirmities  occasioned 
him  solicitude  mainly  because  they  interrupted  his  labors, 
and  thus  affected  his  usefulness.  To  Mrs.  Porter  he 
writes  : — "  You  know,  my  dear  wife,  that  my  greatest  so- 
licitude respecting  ray  frail  health  has  arisen  from  the 
apprehension  that  it  may  be  the  occasion  of  injury  to  the 
interests  of  our  beloved  seminary.  In  this  regard  chiefly 
it  has  been  the  subject  of  doubt  and  prayer  with  me,  how 
far  the  experiment  should  go  as  to  my  restoration  ;  and 
what  degree  of  infirmity  it  must  be,  to  make  the  relin- 
quishment of  my  office  an  obvious  duty.  I  see  no  way  to 
dispose  of  this  question  safely,  but  to  cast  the  responsibility 
on  judicious  friends,  attached  to  the  seminary  by  the 
strongest  ties,  and  at  the  same  time  regarding  me  with  an 
affection  far  beyond  my  merits ;  and  thus  commit  the 
whole  subject  to  Providence.  And  yet  I  cannot  but  look 
toward  that  hill  of  Zion,  with  mingled  emotions  of  love 
and  anxiety  ;  love  to  my  office  and  the  dear  circle  with 
whom  I  am  associated  ;  anxiety  lest  I  and  my  friends 
should  overrate  the  importance  of  my  services  to  the  insti- 
tution. I  am  aware  that  besides  the  great  responsibility 
of  any  office  in  that  seminary,  there  are  intrinsic  difficul- 
ties peculiar  to  my  department,  difficulties  which  the  best 
combination  of  qualities  in  an  instructor  are  barely  suffi- 
cient to  encounter.  But  the  degree  of  indulgence  extended 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  265 


to  my  defects,  and  of  success  attending  my  imperfect 
labors  hitherto,  require  me  to  proceed  with  increased 
effort,  if  God  is  pleased  to  grant  me  strength.  To  Him  I 
cheerfully  commit  the  result." 

As  Dr.  Porter  advanced  in  years,  he  felt  an  increasing 
anxiety  that  th^  course  of  theological  education  should  be 
thorough.  On  this  subject  he  spoke  with  emphasis  in  the 
lecture  room  and  in  the  pulpit.*  His  estimate  of  its  im- 
portance, formed  from  a  deliberate  and  oft  repeated  survey 
of  ministerial  relations  and  responsibilities,  in  which  he 
was  perhaps  the  more  confirmed,  by  frequent  expressions 
of  gratitude  from  those  who  had  once  been  members  of  the 
seminary,  that  they  had  been  persuaded  to  complete  the 
course  of  study  prescribed  by  the  statutes,  may  be  inferred 
from  the  following  paper  on  the  subject,  communicated  for 
publication  in  the  American  Quarterly  Register. 

"  The  necessity  that  young  men,  who  are  preparing  for 
the  ministry,  should  pursue  a  thorough  course  of  study, 
especially  of  theological  study,  is  a  subject  on  which  I  am 
willing  most  fully  to  express  my  views,  according  to  your 
request ;  and  I  can  have  no  objection  that  these  views 
should  be  made  public,  if  it  is  your  wish  to  make  them  so, 
through  the  Quarterly  Register  of  the  American  Educa- 
tion Society.  I  only  regret  that  the  various  engagements 
by  which  my  time  is  engrossed,  render  it  impossible  for 
me,  at  present,  to  give  that  attention  to  the  subject,  which 
my  conviction  of  its  importance  would,  in  other  circum- 
stances, induce  me  to  bestow  upon  it.  I  have  no  doubt, 
however,  that  your  readers  will  be  disposed  to  regard  with 
candor,  any  suggestions  that  I  may  offer  on  this  subject  ; 

*  For  a  further  expression  of  Dr.  Porter's  views  on  this  subject, 
the  reader  is  referred  to  his  Sermon  on  the  Magnitude  of  the 

I Preacher's  Work. 
23 


266 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


and  especially  that  these  suggestions  will  be  thus  regarded 
by  my  younger  brethren  in  the  ministry, 

"  If  I  may  be  allowed  to  speak  of  my  own  personal 
experience,  I  would  wish  to  make  it  admonitory  to  those 
who  are  coming  after  me.  I  entered  on  professional 
studies  after  a  course  of  academical  preparation,  extended 
to  nearly  seven  years,  and  pursued  under  as  good  advan- 
tages as  the  state  of  the  country  then  allowed.  This 
preparatory  course  was  not  interrupted  by  school  teaching, 
a  practice  which  most  unhappily  prevails  of  late,  in  some 
of  our  colleges,  to  such  an  extent  as  virtually  to  reduce  a 
four  years'  education  to  less  than  three,  especially  if  we 
include  the  exhaustion  of  vital  power  under  which  a 
student  must  go  on  in  college,  who  has  devoted  all  his 
vacations  to  a  most  arduous  employment.  The  infelicity 
of  my  case  was,  that  my  theological  preparation,  though 
acquired  under  the  direction  of  a  distinguished  divine  and 
theological  instructor,*  and  continued  for  a  longer  period 
than  was  customary  at  the  time,  was  much  too  short. 
When  I  came  to  enter  on  my  work  in  a  large  country 
parish,  and  to  learn,  as  I  soon  did,  how  inadequate  was 
my  stock  of  acquired  knowledge,  I  was  driven  to  extremi- 
ties. Besides  the  weekly  writing  of  sermons,  and  the 
endless  routine  of  pastoral  engagements,  I  must  somehow 
find  time  for  that  professional  and  general  reading,  which 
I  now  saw  to  be  indispensable,  and  lamented  that  I  had 
not  accomplished  to  a  greater  extent,  before  entering  on 
my  ministry.  The  consequence  was,  (and  I  hope  others 
may  profit  by  the  mistake,)  I  resorted  to  a  course  of  night 
studies,  which  in  a  few  years  made  shipwreck  of  my  con- 
stitution. 

"  Since  the  period  to  which  I  have  now  referred,  the 
course  of  events  has  been  such  as  to  create  a  strong  de- 


*  The  late  Rev.  Dr.  Smalley. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  267 


inand,  and  every  year  increases  this  demand,  for  higher 
and  higher  qualifications  in  the  ministry.  The  inquisi- 
tive, and  enterprising,  and  intelligent  character  of  the 
age  ;  the  resources  of  learning  perverted  by  the  advocates 
of  error  ;  above  all,  the  wide  field  of  moral  influence  open- 
ing in  our  western  States,  and  the  call  for  men  to  go  to 
the  heathen,  who  may  be  safely  trusted  in  translating  the 
Bible,  and  laying  Christian  foundations  for  centuries  to 
come  ; — all  these,  and  many  other  considerations  have 
opened  on  the  church  a  new  era,  calling  for  augmented 
resources,  in  the  moral  and  intellectual  furniture  of  minis- 
ters. In  accordance  with  these  remarks,  public  senti- 
ment has  most  distinctly  declared  itself,  in  the  establish- 
ment of  theological  seminaries,  and  in  the  patronage  they 
have  received,  from  the  most  judicious  men  in  the  land. 
Before  these  measures  were  adopted,  there  had  long  been 
a  gradual  falling  off  from  the  ground  occupied  by  the  early 
Fathers  of  our  churches,  many  of  whom  were  distin- 
guished scholars,  especially  in  the  literature  of  the  sacred 
writings. 

"  I  should  think  myself  especially  unfortunate  in  the 
following  remarks,  if  they  should  make  the  impression  on 
the  mind  of  any  good  man,  that  I  would  exalt  intellectual 
furniture  in  ministers,  at  the  expense  of  personal  piety. 
Perhaps  I  cannot  better  guard  against  such  an  impression, 
and  show  the  habitual  feelings  of  my  own  mind  on  this 
subject,  than  by  subjoining  in  a  note  a  few  sentences  from 
a  manuscript  sermon,  which  I  delivered  in  the  chapel  of 
the  theological  seminary,  in  this  place,  some  months  ago.* 


*  "  We  are  ander  special  obligations  to  cultivate  the  spirit  of 
piety  in  our  own  hearts.  When  1  remember  the  pioneers  of  the 
cross,  trained  up  here  for  their  sacred  and  self-denying  work  of 
gathering  churches  in  our  new  settlements;  and  when  1  think  of 
the  missionary  stations  among  the  heathen^  occupied  by  the  sons 
of  this  seminary,  I  am  cheered  by  the  hope  that  God  will  bless  it 


268 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


I  hope  this  extract  will  show  that  it  is  not  my  habit  to 
undervalue  piety  in  the  ministry. 

"  In  urging  the  necessity  of  an  extended  course  of  theolo- 
gical study,  one  other  suggestion  seems  proper,  to  guard 
against  misapprehension  of  my  meaning.  Nothing  could 
be  farther  from  my  design,  than  to  cast  any  reproach  on 
those  who,  like  myself,  entered  the  ministry,  before  the 
facilities  which  now  exist  for  such  a  course  of  study,  were 
provided.  It  is  equally  remote  from  my  purpose  to  say, 
that  every  candidate  for  the  ministry,  without  regard  to  his 


with  his  own  gracious  presence,  and  make  it  still  the  instrument 

of  promoting  his  own  cause.  The  church  expects,  and  has  a  right 
to  expect,  that  we  shall  raise  up  devoted  and  holy  men  for  her 
service.  I  would  not  say,  by  any  means,  that  all  our  students 
should  actually  engage  in  missions ;  but  they  should  possess  the 
spirit  of  missions,  or  they  cannot  be  useful,  at  this  day,  in  any 
department  of  the  ministry. 

"  Let  profound  learning  be  cultivated  here.  Let  interpreters  of 
the  Bible,  and  theologians,  and  pteachers,  who  are  able  men,  go 
from  these  halls  annually.  Christian  learning  is  the  heavy  artillery 
of  the  ministry,  against  the  armies  of  the  aliens.  This  too  the 
church  expects  of  us,  and  has  a  right  to  expect.  But  the  church 
will  not  be  satisfied  with  this.  She  demands  that  from  year  to 
year,  not  only  learned  and  eloquent  men,  but  men  glowing  with 
zeal  for  God,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners,  should  go  from  this 
place.  On  this  condition,  the  pious  Simeons  and  Annas  of  the 
land,  '  praying  to  God  alway,  and  waiting  for  the  consolation  of 
Israel,'  will  pray  for  ns ; — a  thousand  closets  will  send  up  their 
supplications,  in  a  cloud  of  incense,  that  God  will  bless  this  school 
of  sacred  learning.  And  when  such  men  as  Hall  and  Fisk  die, 
the  church  will  know  where  to  look  for  others  to  fill  their  places. 
But  oh, — should  the  day  come,  when  such  a  call  of  heaven  should 
reach  us,  'Who  will  go  to  that  post  of  self-denial?' — and  there  be 
none  to  answer,  'Here  am  I;'  —  should  the  day  come,  when 
learning  shall  be  the  all  absorbing  business  here,  and  personal 
religion  be  understood  to  be  a  subordinate  concern,  (and  it  will  be 
so  understood,  if  it  is  so,)  then  will  the  church  mourn  ;  her  con- 
fidence in  this  seminary  will  be  deservedly  and  irretrievably  lost; 
and  the  finger  of  heaven  will  write  on  these  walls,  '  The  glory  i$ 
departed.'  " 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  269 


age,  and  other  circumstances,  should  pursue  a  three  years' 
course  of  study  in  theology.  But  what  I  mean  to  say  is, 
and  the  time  in  my  opinion  has  come  to  say  this  very  dis- 
tinctly, that  henceforward,  such  a  course  of  study  is  short 
enough,  as  a  general  rule.  If  any  one  is  providentially 
prevented  from  pursuing  it,  that  should  be  submitted  to  as 
his  calamity.  I  am  the  more  confident  in  my  opinions  on 
this  subject  from  the  fact,  that  during  twenty-two  years' 
experience  as  an  instructor  of  theological  students,  six- 
teen of  which  have  been  passed  in  my  present  relations,  I 
have  heard  not  a  few  young  men  lament  their  own  haste 
in  entering  the  ministry,  but  not  an  individual  have  I 
known  to  intimate  that  he  had  spent  too  much  time  in  pre- 
paratory studies. 

"  But  it  is  time  to  drop  this  prefatory  matter,  and  come  to 
the  main  point,  why  a  thorough  intellectual  preparation  for 
the  sacred  office  is  necessary. 

"  When  Paul  says  to  Timothy  that  a  bishop  should  not  be 
a  novice,  there  is  a  figurative  allusion  in  the  original  word, 
that  is  very  significant.  Literally  the  expression  is,  '  not 
an  infant.'  It  denotes  that  want  of  knowledge  or  skiH, 
which  we  see  in  a  new  born  child,  that  would  certainly 
fail  of  success,  if  set  to  accomplish  any  work  requiring  the 
strength  and  intelligence  of  a  man.  There  is  a  secondary 
sense  too,  that  is  scarcely  less  pertinent.  It  refers  to  a  tree 
or  plant  recently  set  in  the  earth,  which  has  not  had  time 
to  become  rooted,  and  is  easily  disturbed  by  the  wind  or 
any  external  violence.  The  meaning  is,  that  a  Christian 
minister  ought  not  only  to  be  mature  in  religious  experi- 
ence, but  to  have  a  sound,  well  furnished  understanding. 
Both  these  requisites  he  needs,  lest  being  inflated  with 
pride,  he  fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the  devil.  That 
stability  of  character  which  can  resist  temptation,  and 
qualify  a  man  to  be  a  guide  in  the  church,  must  come  from 
fixed  religious  opinions,  grounded  on  a  thorough  acquaint- 
23* 


270 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER, 


ance  with  divine  truth.  The  apostle,  that  he  might  be 
certainly  understood  on  this  subject,  often  exhorts  Timo- 
thy to  diligence  in  reading,  and  meditation,  and  study  of 
the  scriptures,  the  great  store-house  of  divine  knowledge; 
through  which  the  minister  might  become  furnished  for 
his  work. 

"  In  remarking  on  this  subject  then,  I  would  advance  no 
theories  that  are  extravagant,  none  that  are  new — none 
indeed  that  are  not  sanctioned  by  apostolic  authority.  Let 
any  man  (if  in  this  age  of  light  there  is  any  man)  who  ad- 
vocates the  cause  of  clerical  ignorance,  read  the  epistles 
to  Timothy  and  Titus,  and  then  answer  this  plain  question  : 
did  a  teacher  of  religion,  who  had  the  gift  of  inspiration 
to  understand  the  scriptures,  and  the  gift  of  tongues  to 
preach;  a  teacher  too,  born  amid  the  scenery  and  cus- 
toms described  in  the  Bible,  and  familiar  with  the  language 
in  which  important  parts  of  it  were  written, — did  he  need 
the  aid  of  study  and  reading  to  qualify  him  for  his  work  ? 
and  can  a  man,  who  has  not  one  of  all  these  advantages, 
be  qualified  for  the  same  work,  ?o?7//o2(<  study?  How  is 
he  to  know  what  is  in  the  Bible,  till  he  has  studied  the 
Bible  ?  and  how  can  he  study  the  Bible,  so  as  to 
have,  concerning  what  is  peculiar  in  its  language,  local 
allusions,  and  usages,  the  knowledge  requisite  for  a  public 
teacher,  without  much  reading  of  other  books?  Does 
he  claim  to  be  an  inspired  man  ?  Let  him  stand  forth  and 
prove  his  inspiration  by  working  a  miracle.  Just  as  well 
may  his  hearers  claim  to  be  inspired,  so  as  to  have  no  need 
of  him,  or  of  any  one,  as  a  religious  teacher. 

"  Now  the  positions,  which  I  would  take  to  show  the 
connection  between  intellectual  furniture  and  success  in  a 
minister  are  these  four  ; — a  man  must  have  knoivledge  him- 
self, before  he  can  teach  others — he  must  have  capacity 
to  learn,  before  he  can  acquire  knowledge — he  must  have 
time  to  learn — and  he  must  have  instruction.    The  first  is 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


271 


self-evident.  The  second  admits  no  diversity  of  opinion, 
except  as  to  the  degree  of  native  talent,  which  is  necessary 
to  a  minister.  Concerning  this  too,  all  will  agree  thus 
far,  that  the  highest  powers  of  genius  may  find  ample 
scope  in  this  work ;  and  that  on  the  other  hand,  decided 
weakness  of  intellect  is  a  disqualification.  He  that  stands 
on  middle  ground,  between  these  two  limits — he  that  has 
a  fair  average  of  native  talent  with  other  men,  may  with  a 
good  heart,  and  adequate  culture,  be  a  successful  minis- 
ter. Good  sense  he  must  have;  but  brilliant  powers  are  by 
no  means  indispensable. 

"  It  is  self-evident  too,  that  he  must  have  time  to  learn, 
before  he  can  hope  for  success  in  his  work.  Common 
sense  decides  so,  in  regard  to  all  acquisitions,  which  are 
to  be  made  by  study.  In  the  first  schools  of  Europe,  es- 
tablished for  the  two  great  professions,  law  and  medicine, 
the  period  of  study  is  three,  four,  and  in  some  cases,  fve 
years,  superadded  to  an  academical  education.  In  the 
sanoe  departments,  three  years  of  professional  study  is 
made  a  legal  requisite,  in  diHerent  parts  of  our  own  coun- 
try. But  is  the  care  of  men's  m/wor/fl/ interests  a  business 
that  demands  less  maturity  of  preparation,  than  that  of  their 
bodies  or  estates  ?  Is  the  interpretation  of  the  sacred  ora- 
cles, and  the  preaching  of  the  everlasting  gospel,  so  trifling 
an  affair,  that  it  may  be  safely  left  to  any  novice,  who 
chooses  to  undertake  it?  Plainly,  he  cannot  be  a  suc- 
cessful teacher  in  the  church  of  God,  who  has  not  had 
time  to  learn.  The  knowledge  that  he  needs  is  to  be 
gained,  not  by  intuition,  not  by  inspiration,  not  by  any 
'  royal  road,'  but  by  patient,  long  continued  study.  Solo- 
mon has  told  him  all  the  secret  of  gaining  this  knowledge  ; 
he  must  dig  for  it,  as  for  hidden  treasures. 

Need  I  add  that  he  must  have  instruction  ?  The  ob- 
vious necessity  of  this  was  felt  by  the  fathers  of  New  Eng- 
land, those  pious  and  sagacious  men,  who  founded  colleges 


272 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


with  the  primary  view  of  raising  up  an  educated  ministry 
for  their  descendants.  And  to  these  wise  provisions,  men 
of  like  spirit  have  added  the  endowment  of  tlieological  sem- 
inaries, that  the  sons  of  the  church,  instead  of  rushing 
self-taught  into  this  work,  might  enjoy  the  best  advantages 
of  professional  instruction. 

"  But  it  is  said,  '  how  can  a  young  man  of  ardent  piety 
spend  year  after  year  in  preparatory  study,  while  there  are 
so  few  religious  teachers,  and  so  many  destitute  churches, 
and  perishing  sinners  around  him  ?  That  young  man 
ought  to  go  at  once  to  these  starving  souls  with  tlie  bread 
of  life.'  So,  excellent  men,  and  even  ministers  have 
argued,  and  often  remonstrated  with  the  pious  student, 
and  perhaps  have  thrown  him  into  serious  perplexity  as  to 
his  own  duty.  Now  to  relieve  this  perplexity,  should  he 
come  to  me  for  counsel,  I  would  ask  him — Why  did 
C/iriiit  delay  the  commencement  of  his  ministry  till  he 
was  thirty  years  of  age  ?  Was  he  not  as  well  qualified  as 
you  to  preach  at  twenty-five  ?  Were  there  no  perishing 
sinners  around  him  ?  Was  there  no  lack  of  ministers  then 
to  teach  the  way  of  God  in  truth  ?  Had  you  been  in  his  place, 
you  would  have  begun  to  preach,  it  seems,  just  so  soon  as 
you  had  happened  to  feel  deeply  the  dreadful  condition  of 
sinners  ;  and  would  have  summoned  to  your  aid,  not  twelve 
apostles,  but  ticelve  thousand.  Are  you  then  more  wise  than 
Christ?  more  benevolent  than  Christ  to  the  souls  of  men? 

"  Besides,  is  a  young  man  of  course  qualified  to  be  a 
religious  teacher,  because  he  is  ardently  pious?  Then 
the  wi.scst  men,  in  every  age,  have  been  mistaken.  Then 
colleges,  and  theological  seminaries,  and  education  socie- 
ties, are  a  useless  incumbrance  to  the  world.  But  if 
preparation  is  necessary,  God  has  decided  that  these 
vacant  churches  and  perishing  sinners  must  toait,  till  the 
preparation  is  made  by  study,  for  it  is  not  made  now  by 
miracles.    And  there  is  no  hardship,  on  this  supposition 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  273 


more  than  on  the  other,  if  piety  were  all  that  the  churches 
should  desire  in  ministers,  still  they  must  wait,  for  God  to 
make  pious  men.  For  if  all  such  men,  who  hope  to  enter 
the  ministry,  were  taken  from  our  seminaries,  and  colleges, 
and  academies  too,  and  made  preachers  at  once,  the  cry 
for  more  laborers  would  still  come  from  every  corner  of 
the  land. 

"  Still  some  may  urge  by  way  of  objection  that  facts, 
and  the  aspects  of  Providence,  are  against  this  reasoning. 
Ministers  have  been  very  successful  with  but  little  study  ; 
and  the  wants  of  the  world  are  so  urgent,  that  we  must 
dispense  with  preparatory  qualifications,  except  a  good 
heart  and  good  sense. 

"  That  such  men  as  John  Newton  and  Thomas  Scott 
have  been  a  great  blessing  to  the  church,  it  were  as  idle  to 
doubt,  as  it  is,  that  their  usefulness  would  have  been  far 
more  eminent,  with  an  adequate  early  education.  But  see 
what  is  the  result,  if  you  try  the  principle  assumed  in  the 
objection  by  common  sense.  A  man  of  capacity  and  in- 
tegrity, is  a  farmer,  a  skillful  farmer  ;  does  it  follow  that, 
with  all  his  good  sense  and  knowledge  of  husbandry,  he 
could  manage  a  sldp  in  a  tempest  ?  and  if  he  should  do  it, 
would  it  therefore  be  safe  to  commit  all  the  concerns  of 
navigation  to  farmers  ?  Another  man  is  a  skillful  merchant, 
and  knows  the  quality  and  price  of  every  article  he  deals 
out  to  his  customers  ;  is  he  therefore  qualified  to  deal  out 
medicines  to  the  sick?  Another  is  a  skillful  lawyer;  but 
give  him  the  surgeon's  knife,  and  call  him  to  perform  an 
operation  ;  are  you  sure  that  he  would  do  it  with  success? 
I  need  not  wait  for  an  answer  to  such  inquiries.  Then 
take  this  farmer,  this  merchant,  this  lawyer,  and  suppose 
each  to  be  ardently  pious,  if  you  please;  and  ask  common 
sense  whether  he  would,  of  course,  be  a  successful  inter- 
preter of  the  Bible,  or  preacher  of  the  gospel? 

"  If  any  one  demands  that  I  should  tell,  more  particu- 


274 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


larly,  how  deficiency  in  theological  knowledge  will  hinder 
a  preacher's  success,  I  answer, — In  the  first  place,  his 
public  instructions  will  fail  to  interest  intelligent  hearers. 
Some  such  hearers  he  will  have,  in  this  age  of  mental 
activity ;  when  reading  and  thinking  are  so  customary, 
even  among  common  men.  Should  they  be  satisfied  for 
a  few  weeks  or  months,  they  will  ultimately  come  to  per- 
ceive, that  his  sermons  are  trite  and  feeble  in  thought. 
This  result  is  quite  certain,  if  he  is  only  a  common  man, 
with  common  efforts. 

"Or,  in  the  second  place,  if  he  aims  to  retrieve  the 
past  deficiencies  of  his  education,  by  great  and  special 
efforts,  in  his  preparations  to  preach,  while,  at  the  same 
time,  he  sustains  the  great,  and  various,  and  arduous 
duties  of  his  office,  he  is  a  chad  man ;  he  will  sink  into 
hopeless  infirmity,  or  a  premature  grave. 

"  Or,  in  the  third  place,  if  he  attempts  to  bring  up  all 
arrears,  by  incessant  study,  while  he  saves  his  life  by 
neglect  of  pastoral  duties,  though  he  should  become  a 
tolerable  preacher,  he  is  a  dead  man  in  another  respect  ; 
there  will  be  a  sad  failure  in  the  amount  of  his  usefulness. 

"  Facts  are  full  of  instruction  on  this  subject.  Not  a 
few  young  men  of  bright  promise,  who  might  have  become 
champions  of  the  truth,  have  been  so  impatient  to  hasten 
into  the  ministry,  that  they  have  fatally  blighted  their 
own  prospects ;  and  instead  of  attaining  to  distinguished 
success,  have  scarcely  reached  the  point  of  mediocrity. 
The  minister  now,  whose  maxim  is  to  expect  little  things, 
and  attempt  little  things,  mistakes  the  day  in  which  he 
lives.  What  was  knowledge  in  the  thirteenth  century,  is 
ignorance  now.  What  was  energy  then,  is  imbecility  and 
stupidity  now.  As  was  said  in  another  case,  it  becomes 
not  our  sacred  profession,  in  this  period  of  intellectual 
progress,  to  remain  like  the  ship  that  is  moored  to  its 
station,  only  to  mark  the  rapidity  of  the  current  that  is 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER. 


275 


sweeping  by.  Let  the  intelligence  of  the  age  outstrip  us, 
and  leave  us  behind,  and  religion  would  sink,  with  its 
teachers,  into  insignificance.  Ignorance  cannot  wield 
this  intelligence.  Give  to  the  church  a  feeble  ministry, 
and  the  world  breaks  from  your  hold ;  your  main  spring 
of  moral  influence  is  gone. 

"  Go  on  then,  my  dear  sir,  in  the  arduous  and  exalted 
work  to  which  you  are  devoted.  God  grant  you  success 
in  the  noble  enterprise  of  multiplying  able  and  holy  minis- 
ters of  his  truth.  It  is  a  cause  for  which  good  men  have 
prayed  and  will  pray,  without  ceasing.  It  is  a  cause  on 
which  God  has  smiled,  and  will  smile,  with  approbation." 

With  all  his  solicitude,  however,  that  the  training  of 
candidates  for  the  sacred  office  should  be  thorough,  Dr. 
Porter  was  scrupulously  attentive  to  the  minutiai  of  pro- 
fessional character.  Of  this  we  may  find  illustration  in 
the  subjoined  letter  to  a  young  clergyman,  on  the  use  of 
personal  pronouns. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  I  am  happy  in  the  confidence  I  feel  that  you  pos- 
sess the  great  elementary  qualifications  requisite  in  the 
sacred  work  on  which  you  have  entered.  Compared  with 
these  qualifications,  there  are  numerous  minor  things 
which  are  but  as  dust  in  the  balance ;  and  yet  ilb  wise 
preacher  would  wish  to  indulge  himself  in  any  careless 
infelicities  of  language,  or  in  blunders  of  any  sort,  even  in 
trifles,  that  might  by  any  possibility  impair  his  usefulness 
in  a  holy  and  elevated  calling.  '  IIcc  nuga:  stria  (lucent.^ 
"  My  present  object  is,  to  caution  you  against  some  of 
these  nvgcB  of  the  pulpit,  the  principal  mischief  of  which 
is,  that  they  may  raise  a  question  in  hearers  of  intelligence, 
whether  the  preaclier  who  falls  into  them  has  not  some- 
thing trifling  in  his  character. 


276 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  An  example  of  my  meaning  you  have  in  the  substitu- 
tion of  the  plural  pronoun  for  the  singular,  where  the 
preacher  means  himself.  You  may  have  observed  this  in 
some  preachers  of  respectable  sense  and  scholarship;  and 
yet,  if  you  undertake  to  analyze  the  usage,  you  can  hardly 
fail  to  lose  your  gravity,  the  thing  is  so  ridiculous. 

"  In  the  first  place,  it  is  a  gross  violation  of  English 
idiom,  and  has  no  authority  from  the  first  orators  of  the 
language,  either  secular  or  sacred.  About  thirty  years 
ago,  here  and  there  a  preacher  in  England,  and  in  this 
country,  called  himself,  vie — in  imitation  of  the  French 
idiom.  The  same  tribe  of  imitators  caught  at  the  rhetor- 
ical ah !  of  the  French  pulpit,  and  the  Mon  Ditu  !  and 
other  profane  invocations  of  God,  introduced  to  ornament 
a  sentence,  in  direct  violation  of  Horace's  canon,  '  Nec 
dens  intersit,  nisi  dignus  vindice  nodus  incideril.'  All 
this  is  gone  by,  except  the  partiality  for  the  pronoun  we, 
by  which  now  and  then  a  grave  minister  chooses  to  desig- 
nate himself. 

"  In  the  next  place,  as  this  usage  violates  English  idiom, 
it  of  course  leads  to  confusion  of  sense. 

"  All  our  grammarians  have  taught  that  /  is  a  singular, 
and  we  a  plural  pronoun.  If  we  do  away  this  distinction 
by  making  them  identical,  or  if  we  amalgamate  both  into 
one,  the  question  arises,  whether  that  one  expresses  unity, 
or  pluPhlity  of  sense.  In  regal  style,  probably  the  king 
originally  said  we,  meaning  himself  and  court.  And 
yet  '  we,  George  the  IV.'  seems  plainly  to  mean  but 
one  man;  and  the  attempt  to  make  out  the  rest  of  the 
sentence  amounts  to  a  burlesque  on  '  the  king's  English.' 
Take  an  example  translated  from  a  proclamation  of  the 
Russian  emperor  :  '  We,  Alexander  first,  autocrat  of  all 
the  Russias,  &c.,  with  respect  to  oursdf,  we  request  all 
our  subjects  to  offer  up  fervent  prayers  to  God,  that  he 
may  receive  our  souls  into  his  everlasting  kingdom.'  Now 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  077 


if  a  naughty  tyro  in  grammar  should  ask  his  English 
teacher — '  how  am  I  to  parse  this  sentence?  how  many 
emperors  does  it  take  to  make  one  man  ?  and  how  many 
souls  has  that  man  ? '  he  could  only  be  told  that  royal 
style  is  not  intended  to  be  parsed,  like  that  of  common 
sense  ;  and  especially  that  this  style  in  foreign  idiom,  is 
not  subject  to  the  laws  of  English  grammar. 

"  Editors  too,  are  a  privileged  class  of  men  ;  though 
several  individuals  have  so  often  been  associated  in  this 
class  by  partnership,  that  7ee,  as  used  in  this  case,  is  com- 
monly understood  to  denote  plurality  of  sense.  '  We  the 
editor,' — would  now  sound  so  strangely,  that  perhaps  this 
word,  in  process  of  time,  will  come,  like  '  tongs,'  '  bel- 
lows,' &c.,  to  have  no  singular. 

"  But  allowing  all  convenient  latitude  to  emperors  and 
editors,  what  occasion  has  the  Christian  preacher  to  con- 
found grammar  and  sense,  in  using  the  personal  pronoun? 
For  example,  '  we  shall  attempt,  my  brethren,  to  establish 
the  truth  of  the  following  proposition.'  Whom  does  the 
preacher  mean  by  we  ?  Himself  and  hearers  ?  or  himself 
and  other  preachers?  or  himself  only?  Neither  the  hear- 
ers who  are  present,  nor  the  fraternity  of  preachers  who 
are  absent,  have  any  thing  to  do  in  proving  that  proposi- 
tion. Why  then  should  one  man  speak  of  himself  in  the 
plural,  because  he  is  in  the  pulpit,  any  more  than  if  he 
were  talking  to  a  tenth  part  of  these  hearers  in  a  confer- 
ence room,  or  to  one  of  them  in  his  study,  or  giving 
instruction  to  his  child  or  domestic?  Again  :  '  We  know 
that  while,  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  it  is  our  duty  to  urge 
you  to  repentance,  we  are  a  sinner  before  God,  as  well  as 
you.'  That  the  following  examples  are  not  occasional 
trips  of  haste  is  probable,  because  they  are  taken  from 
sermons,  printed  by  their  authors.  '  And  now  brethren, 
we  affectionately  ask,  why  is  not  this  duty  faithfully  per- 
formed by  you  all  ?   What  is  your  objection  ?'    That  the 


278 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER, 


preacher  began  this  address  as  one  man,  is  evident,  be- 
cause he  continues  it  in  the  singular — '/  know  that  / 
speak  to  some,'  &.C.,  and  thus,  for  some  time,  /  goes  on 
with  the  exhortation  which  we  had  begun.  Again  :  an 
address  at  an  ordination  has  this  instance,  '  Wt  know  well 
the  anxieties  that  press  upon  your  spirits  at  this  solemn 
hour  ;  for  we  have  felt  them  all,  and  can  tell  you,  after 
seven  years'  experience,  that  there  is  just  cause  for  them 
all.'  The  obscurity  of  sense  is  cleared  up  by  a  little 
reasoning,  thus :  the  preacher  could  not  mean,  '  we  the 
assembly  know,'  &-c.,  for  they  had  not  been  seven  years 
in  the  ministry ;  nor  '  we  the  ecclesiastical  council,'  for  it 
were  marvellous  that  they  should  all  have  been  ministers 
just  seven  years  ;  but,  '  wc  the  preacher  know,'  dec.  This 
is  the  correct  solution,  no  doubt ;  for  a  little  before,  this 
plural  preacher  calls  the  candidate,  '  7ny  beloved  brother,' 
and  repeatedly  says,  '  speak  not,'  &c.,  and  'ice  speak,' 
&c.,  in  reference  to  what  had  been  said  by  his  single  self. 
In  the  following  quotation,  I  aim  only  at  substantial,  not 
verbal  exactness.  '  We  do  not  offer  ourselves  as  a  learned 
expositor  of  that  revelation  which  God  has  given  us ;  but 
we  say  that  he  is  without  excuse,  who  rejects  the  testimony 
of  God,  so  often  repeated  by  us,  that  he  "  gave  his  Son  to 
die  for  us.'"  A  revelation  given  to  the  preacher!  A 
Saviour  given  to  die  for  the  preacher,  in  distinction  from 
other  men  !  His  incongruous  use  of  pronouns  makes  him 
say  this ;  but  surely  this  is  not  his  meaning.  One  more 
instance  may  be  added ;  it  is  a  sentence  with  which  I 
heard  a  minister  begin  his  closing  prayer  after  sermon. 
'  We  pray  thee  bless  the  truths  which  we  have  now  dis- 
pensed to  these  dying  hearers.'  In  a  petition  thus  ex- 
pressed, how  could  the  assembly  unite  ?  The  hearers  had 
not  been  dispensing  truth. 

"  Now,  my  dear  sir,  if  you  have  fallen  into  this  solecism 
in  pulpit  phraseology,  just  look  a  moment  at  the  simple 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  279 


language  of  Christ  and  the  apostles,  and  see  what  a  strange 
transmutation  of  the  New  Testament  would  be  made  by 
such  a  blending  of  personal  pronouns.  One  example  from 
Paul  must  suffice.  '  Let  no  man  think  us  a  fool.  Are 
they  Hebrews?  so  are  we.  Are  they  Israelites?  so  are 
we,'  &c.  '  Thrice  were  we  beaten  with  rods  ;  once  were 
we  stoned,'  &,c.  What  a  curious  address  must  this  have 
been  to  the  Gentile  converts  of  Corinth  ! 

"  But  modesty  offers  its  apology.  '  Though  an  apostle 
might  speak  of  himself  in  the  first  person,  this  would  be 
egotism  in  a  common  man,  especially  a  young  man.'  And 
what  is  egotism  ?  Not  using  proper  terms  to  express 
proper  thoughts.  It  consists  in  a  spirit  of  ostentation 
with  which  a  man  speaks  of  himself,  and  not  in  the  words 
he  uses.  In  illustration  of  this  point,  the  following  anec- 
dote was  some  time  since  related  by  a  writer  in  one  of  our 
periodicals.  '  Among  the  theological  pupils  of  the  cele- 
brated Dr.  Bellamy,  was  a  young  man  named  B — ■  , 

whose  vanity  was  often  offensive  to  his  instructor,  and 
who  was  one  day  reading  for  criticism  a  manuscript  con- 
taining many  sentences  like  this — "  Such  is  7«y  opinion, 
whatever  others  may  think,  and  I  am  confident  that  my 
opinion  is  correct."  At  the  close  of  such  a  sentence,  the 
Doctor,  in  his  peculiar,  authoritative  manner,  said,  "  Stop, 

B  ,  /,  /,  who  is  this/.'"'     The  writer  adds— 

'  When  I  hear  a  preacher,  who  seems  to  be  nothing  more 
than  one  man,  saying  to  his  hearers — "  IVe,  as  an  ambas- 
sador of  the  cross,  exhort  you  to  receive  the  truths  which 
we  have  now  delivered,"  I  often  feel  inclined  to  say — 
Stop — who  is  this  we  ? ' 

"  There  are  several  other  points  of  sagacious  refinement 
in  the  phraseology  of  the  pulpit,  to  which  I  should  have 
called  your  attention,  had  I  not  extended  the  foregoing 
remarks  beyond  my  own  intentions.  One  of  these  is,  the 
babit  of  some  spruce  young  preachers,  '  righteous  over 


280 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


much '  in  accuracy,  who  say,  '  the  first  two  and  the  last 
two'  verses  of  a  psalm,  instead  of  the  two  first,  &c. 

"  Perhaps  at  some  convenient  time  I  may  give  you  some 
further  hints  on  these  'trifles'  of  our  profession."* 

Numerous  and  weighty  as  were  the  duties  growing  out 
of  his  official  connections,  Dr.  Porter  felt  that  other  re- 
sponsibilities also  devolved  upon  him.  In  guiding,  sus- 
taining, and  quickening  the  various  movements  of  benev- 
olence, he  felt  bound  as  a  Christian  philanthropist  to  lend 
the  whole  weight  of  his  influence.  Appointed  to  watch 
for  souls  as  one  that  must  give  account,  and  occupying  a 
commanding  post  of  observation,  he  was  ever  wakeful. 
A  subject  which  he  regarded  as  having  an  important  bear- 
ing on  the  welfare  of  Zion,  was  the  infringement  of  the 
rights  and  usages  of  Congregational  churches,  especially 
as  practiced  in  Massachusetts  under  the  sanction  of  judi- 
cial decisions.  Endued  with  discernment  to  detect,  and 
sensibility  to  feel  the  injuries  inflicted  on  others,  he 
contemplated  with  the  liveliest  emotions,  the  ejectment  of 
laborious  and  able  pastors  from  their  pulpits ;  the  exile  of 
churches  from  sanctuaries,  which  in  some  instances  they 
had  chiefly  contributed  in  erecting  ;  and  the  perversion  of 
funds,  which  pious  charity  had  given  them,  and  an  un- 
disputed title  to  which  they  had  enjoyed  through  succes- 
sive generations,  by  the  united  decision  of  usage  and 
equity.  The  language  of  remonstrance  against  such 
usurpation  he  frankly  and  frequently  uttered. 

In  concluding  this  view  of  Dr.  Porter's  professional 
character,  it  may  be  proper  to  subjoin  the  following 
illustrations  found  among  his  MSS.,  of  the  corporate 
capacity  of  Congregational  churches. 

"  Not  to  dwell  on  the  question  whether  churches  were 
originally  corporate  bodies  in  New  England,  there  can  be 


*  See  Spirit  of  the  Pilgrims,  vol.  ii.  p.  C45. 


PROFESSIONAL  CHARACTER.  281 


no  doubt  that  they  became  so  by  the  act  of  1754, — that 
is,  the  deacons  were  incorporated  to  hold  property  for  the 
church,  under  the  supervision  of  the  church. 
"  Cases  supposed  as  examples : — 

"  I.  A  legacy  of  $5,000  is  given  to  a  Congregational 
church  in  Massachusetts,  unrestricted  by  any  conditions  ; 
the  annual  income  given  to  the  absolute  disposal  of  the 
church.  They  manage  it  by  instructions  to  their  deacons. 
By  an  unusual  coincidence  of  things,  death  and  removal 
diminish  the  members  of  the  parish,  and  at  last  in  a  mo- 
ment of  excitement,  the  few  remaining  members  go  off  by 
certificate  to  other  sects  ;  not  one  voter  is  left.  The  church 
goes  on  as  a  church,  and  votes  yearly  to  give  the  income 
of  their  fund  to  the  minister,  and  record  their  votes  in  the 
church  records. 

"Quere.  1.  Does  this  church,  or  does  it  not,  'subsist, 
without  any  religious  community  to  which  it  is  attached  ? ' 

"  2.  If  they  do  subsist  still,  that  is,  if  a  church  can 
retain  its  identity  and  its  rights,  though  the  parish  has 
withdrawn,  why  may  it  not  retain  the  same  identity  and 
rights,  after  it  has  withdrawn  from  the  parish  ?  Or, 

"  3.  If  the  church  loses  her  identity  by  the  withdrawing 
of  the  parish,  then  whose  are  her  funds  ?  Can  heirs  at 
law  claim  them  on  the  ground  of  any  moral  or  civil  delin- 
quency in  the  church  ?  Or  by  what  sort  of  action  can 
they  sue  for  the  recovery  of  this  property  ? 

"Case  2.  $7,000  are  given  by  a  pious  wealthy  man  to 
the  deacons  of  a  church,  in  trust  (as  before) ;  and  $7,000 
to  the  directors  of  a  bible  society  in  the  same  village,  com- 
mitted to  their  absolute  discretion.  The  deacons  have 
corporate  powers,  no  one  doubts  : — the  directors  also. 
Both  add  the  annual  income  to  the  principal.  After  five 
years,  a  difficulty  arises  with  the  parish  ;  the  church  with- 
draw with  their  fund.  The  directors  (who  are  included  in 
the  church)  also  withdraw,  and  worship  together.  Will  an 
24* 


282 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


action  lie  against  the  deacons  to  get  the  church  fund  for 
the  parish  1  What  sort  of  action?  Why  will  not  a  simi- 
lar action  lie  also  against  the  directors? 

"  Case  3.  $6,000  are  given  to  a  Congregational  church 
as  before ;  the  interest  is  added  to  the  principal.  The 
parish  negotiate  to  have  it  applied  to  the  support  of  public 
worship.  When  it  has  amounted  to  $10,000,  the  church 
vote  to  apply  the  income  for  one  year  to  support  wor- 
ship, or  to  give  $600  to  the  parish.  They  vote  to  do 
the  same  annually  for  five  years,  when  the  minister 
dies.  The  parish  call  a  Universalist ;  and  the  church 
withdraw.  A  new  church  is  formed  in  the  old  house, 
avowedly  Universalist,  but  calling  itself  Congregationalist. 
They  sue  the  deacons  for  the  fund. — The  identity  of  the 
church  is  predicated  on  the  old  place  of  worship. 

Case  4.  Same  facts. — After  seven  years  the  meeting 
house  is  burnt.  There  are  one  hundred  and  two  voters. 
Forty  church  members  and  ten  others,  fifty  in  all,  vote  to 
rebuild  in  one  place ;  fifty  two,  possessing  one  fourth  of 
the  property  in  the  parish,  and  of  low  character,  vote  to 
unite  in  another  place.  The  strife  is  not  about  doctrine 
but  place.  They  divide — the  fifty,  including  the  whole 
church,  the  intelligence  and  worth  of  the  society,  build  a 
handsome  and  spacious  house : — the  others  an  inferior 
one,  (which  is  the  first  parish  ?)  settles  a  minister  and 
forms  a  new  church.  Congregational  in  name,  but  on  Uni- 
versalist principles.  By  what  action  can  they  claim  the 
funds?" 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 

Manners — Social  qualities — Familiar  letters — Principles  of  family 
government — Paternal  directions — Judicious  management  of 
pecuniary  affairs — Contributions — Habits  as  to  personal  expendi- 
tures, equipage,  &c. — Hospitality — Summary  view  of  hia  social 
character. 

The  highest  degree  of  personal  enjoyment  in  the 
present  life,  results  from  the  union  of  happy  social  tem- 
perament with  Christian  resignation.  The  man  in  whom 
God  has  wrought  this  union,  has  within  himself  means  of 
usefulness,  which  others  do  not  possess,  and  a  source 
of  perennial  enjoyment  to  which  others  are  strangers. 
Alone,  he  is  happy  in  communion  with  himself  and  with 
God ;  in  society,  his  happiness  is  increased  by  contribut- 
ing to  that  of  his  associates.  With  however  much  of 
plausibility  the  misanthrope  might  inquire  in  reference  to 
many  of  his  species, 

"  Did  man  compute 
Existence  by  enjoyment,  and  count  o"er 
Such  hours  'gainst  years  of  life ; — say  would  he  name 
Threescore  ? — 

the  interrogatory  would  be  impertinent  in  the  case  of  such 
an  individual.    With  all  his  bodily  sufferings,  and  his  nu- 


284 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


merous  unusual  calls  to  practice  self-denial,  Dr.  Porter  was 
uniformly  a  happy  man.  Though  he  valued  life  chiefly 
as  affording  opportunity  to  glorify  God  in  usefulness  to  his 
fellow-men,  he  highly  estimated  the  pleasures  of  social, 
and  especially  those  of  Christian  intercourse. 

His  manners  were  simple,  natural,  and  dignified.  Though 
there  was  something  in  his  demeanor  that  often  imposed  re- 
straint on  a  stranger  introduced  to  his  presence  ;  there  was 
nothing  repulsive,  nothing  which  the  stranger  did  not 
spontaneously  feel  would  be  removed  by  slight  acquaint- 
ance. Though  he  was  not  fluent  in  conversation,  except 
with  intimate  friends,  he  had  no  appearance  of  studied 
reserve,  or  of  a  willingness  to  keep  himself  aloof  from 
society.  So  gentle  and  conciliating  was  his  mode  of  in- 
tercourse with  strangers,  and  so  extensive  was  his  know- 
ledge derived  from  books,  and  from  accurate  observation 
of  human  conduct  in  all  the  variety  of  circumstances  in 
which  his  professional  duties  and  his  frequent  journeys 
had  placed  him,  that  his  fellow-travellers  commonly  con- 
ceived for  him  a  degree  of  respect  which  rendered  it  a 
pleasure  to  them  to  do  him  kindnesses.  So  favorable  was 
the  impression  he  usually  made  on  all  with  whom  he  was 
even  temporarily  associated,  that  on  his  journeys  he  rarely 
had  occasion  to  complain  of  the  negligence  of  servants  or 
other  agents  of  public  conveyances,  and  still  more  rarely 
of  their  disrespect  or  insolence. 

Among  the  social  qualities  of  Dr.  Porter,  frankness 
held  a  prominent  place.  He  was  above  disguise.  He 
was  either  silent  or  spoke  the  sentiments  of  his  heart. 
Duplicity  in  all  its  forms  he  abhorred.  Nothing  more 
was  needed  to  destroy  his  respect  for  an  individual  than 
a  single  distinct  exhibition  of  this  trait  of  character. 
Though  he  could  and  often  did,  with  characteristic 
delicacy,  express  to  his  friends  a  favorable  opinion  of 
their  character,  when  he  thought  the  expression  was 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


285 


demanded  by  justice,  or  would  subserve  a  useful  end, 
he  rarely  dealt  in  the  language  of  compliment,  never  in 
flattery.  He  was  no  less  unwilling  to  receive  it  himself 
than  to  offer  it  to  others.  "  I  never  knew  a  man,"  he 
once  remarked  to  the  writer,  "  who  dealt  much  in  flattery, 
that  was  not  fond  of  it  in  return."  His  aversion  to  in- 
sincerity in  language,  was  united  with  an  equally  strong 
aversion  to  ostentation  in  action.  In  this  respect  he  was 
the  same  in  every  relation  of  life.  His  professions  were 
always  sincere.  With  propriety  it  may  be  said  of  him, 
as  it  is  said  of  Dr.  Dwight; — "It  is  believed,  that  in  no 
instance  whatever  was  he  even  suspected  to  connect  a 
private  selfish  end,  his  own  personal  benefit,  or  the  ad- 
vancement of  any  member  of  his  family,  with  that  which 
was  avowed  and  ostensible.  The  purposes  which  he 
proposed  were  the  only  purposes  he  had  in  view.  To 
accomplish  them  he  would  not  stoop  to  management  and 
finesse.  They  were  honorable  purposes.  He  declared 
them  with  the  sincerity  of  truth,  and  pursued  them  with 
the  dignity  of  virtue.  So  perfectly  known  was  his  char- 
acter in  this  respect,  that  the  instance  probably  cannot 
be  named,  in  which  any  man  ventured  to  approach  him 
for  his  assistance  in  a  manner  wljich  was  not  direct 
and  honorable."  Dr.  Porter's  frankness  rendered  him 
unwilling  to  be  intrusted  with  the  secrets  of  others,  and 
induced  him  to  resolve  that  he  would  "  deal  in  secrets  as 
little  as  possible."  Though  sufficiently  ready  to  com- 
municate to  his  friends  his  feelings,  his  wishes,  and  his 
designs,  he  rarely  made  disclosures  which  in  any  change 
of  circumstances  could  place  him  at  their  mercy.  Con- 
sequently much  as  he  loved  society,  highly  as  he  prized 
the  attachment  of  friends,  and  sincerely  as  he  reciprocated 
that  attachment,  his  intimacies  were  very  few. 

Another  obvious  trait  of  Dr.  Porter's  social  character, 
was  cheerfulness.    To  those  who  were  accustomed  to  see 


286 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


him  from  day  to  day,  and  were  aware  of  the  nature  and 
extent  of  his  bodily  sufferings,  his  freedom  from  depres- 
sion was  a  subject  of  admiration.  There  was,  indeed,  no 
unusual  flow  of  animation,  no  buoyancy  of  spirits;  but  a 
steady,  uniform  cheerfulness,  which  showed  that  he  had 
well  learned  "  in  whatsoever  state  he  was,  therewith  to  be 
content."  In  sickness,  his  remarks  were  often  charac- 
terized by  a  kind  of  playfulness  and  good  humor,  adapted 
to  alleviate  the  solicitude  of  his  attendants,  if  not  to  render 
their  services  a  pleasure  to  themselves.  In  one  instance, 
having  occasion  to  shave  himself  when  much  emaciated 
by  sickness,  he  playfully  remarked  to  his  attendant,  "  I  do 
not  know  but  my  razor  and  my  cheek  bones  will  have  a 
contention."  Often  when  exercised  with  severe  pain,  he 
attended  as  usual  to  the  calls  of  business,  or  friendship ; 
and  so  perfect  was  his  control  of  his  feelings,  that  no 
indications  of  suffering  were  perceptible,  excepting  by 
his  intimate  acquaintance. 

In  conversation  he  sometimes  allowed  himself  in  ani- 
mated repartee,  and  occasionally  in  sallies  of  wit.  And 
at  times  he  exhibited  no  doubtful  indications  of  ability  tq 
employ  sarcasm  with  powerful  effect.  In  this,  however, 
he  confined  himself  to  the  same  limits  he  prescribed  for 
others — to  indulge  in  it  but  sparingly,  and  only  for  a 
useful  end.  Irony  he  deemed  sometimes  allowable ; 
allowable  even  in  the  pulpit,  employed  as  Christ  employed 
it.  But  with  the  use  of  wit  in  the  pulpit,  as  generally 
understood,  he  held  no  compromise.  He  discarded  it 
as  utterly  unbecoming  the  sacredness  of  the  place;  and 
against  it  used  to  warn  his  pupils  in  unqualified  terms. 
His  indulgence  in  wit  even  in  conversation,  was  chiefly 
confined  to  the  relation  of  anecdotes  for  the  purposes  of 
illustration,  which  he  often  did  with  much  appositeness 
and  effect.  A  clergyman  who  was  several  years  asso- 
ciated with  him  as  a  director  of  a  benevolent  society, 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


287 


remarked  to  the  writer,  that  at  the  sessions  of  the  board, 
Dr.  Porter  commonly  said  but  little,  but  often  exerted  a 
controlling  influence  in  their  deliberations,  by  suggesting, 
in  his  happy  manner,  pertinent  and  sometimes  quaint 
illustrations. 

He  was  peculiarly  free  from  irascibility.  His  spirit, 
his  manners,  his  whole  appearance,  certainly  exempted 
him  more  than  most  men  from  exposure  to  the  assaults 
of  rudeness  or  impertinence ;  but  when  thus  exposed,  he 
maintained  his  wonted  serenity  and  composure.  We 
have  never  heard  of  an  instance  where  in  discussion  he 
gave  his  adversary  the  advantage  by  an  exhibition  of 
temper,  or  where  in  his  intercourse  with  men  in  any 
circumstances,  he  betrayed  undue  excitement. 

Few  men  are  more  fond  of  society  than  was  Dr.  Porter. 
And  though  he  participated  in  the  pleasures  of  social 
intercourse  with  a  high  relish,  his  attachment  to  them 
sprung  not  more  from  personal  considerations,  than  from 
a  benevolent  regard  to  the  gratification  and  improvement 
of  others.  His  social  qualities  he  made  as  much  a 
subject  of  study  and  cultivation  as  those  of  his  intellect 
and  heart,  from  the  conviction  of  their  importance  to  the 
most  attractive  exhibition  of  Christian  character,  and  to 
his  highest  usefulness  as  an  ambassador  of  Christ.  With 
him  it  was  a  settled  principle,  that  whatever  would  in- 
crease his  acceptableness  in  this  capacity,  demanded 
attention.  His  friendships  were  sincere  and  ardent.  And 
though,  even  when  surrounded  by  those  he  most  loved  and 
confided  in,  he  never  allowed  himself  to  forget  that  a 
"little  folly"  is  detractious  in  him  that  is  in  reputation 
for  wisdom  and  honor ;  he  could  and  did,  in  familiar 
intercourse,  exhibit  a  measure  of  natural  kindness  and 
amiableness;  a  cheerful  surrender  of  his  own  convenience 
to  that  of  others,  and  a  lively  interest  in  their  enjoyment, 
» which  won  the  affections  of  all  who  were  favored  with  his 


288 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


society.  These  features  of  his  social  character,  through 
every  period  of  his  life  secured  the  confidence  and  attach- 
ment of  his  associates.  Yet  with  all  his  urbanity,  and 
solicitude  to  please,  he  possessed  uncommon  independence 
and  decision.  "  The  man,"  said  he  to  a  clergyman  who, 
on  a  certain  occasion,  continued  urging  him  to  preach 
after  he  had  declined  on  account  of  feeble  health — "  the 
man  who  cannot  say  no,  and  stand  to  it,  is  of  little  account 
in  this  world." 

The  reader  is  here  presented  with  a  few  of  Dr.  Porter's 
letters,  selected  partly  as  specimens  of  his  familiar  cor- 
respondence, and  partly  as  illustrating  the  aspect  of  his 
character  now  under  consideration.  The  first  was  written 
a  few  months  after  his  ordination,  to  a  brother  in  law. 

"  Washington,  Jan.  3,  1797. 

"Dear  Sir, 

"  I  have  an  opportunity  to  write  you  a  line  which  I 
cannot  fail  to  improve.  I  had  a  prosperous  journey  from 
Vermont;  and  have  enjoyed  my  health  since.  We  have 
nothing  particularly  important  here.  It  is  a  healthy  time. 
Our  winter  has  hitherto  been  severe.  Since  I  last  wrote 
you,  you  have  doubtless  heard  that  I  have  exchanged  my 
candidate  troubles,  for  the  troubles  of  a  minister.  To  be 
serious,  I  am  now  among  an  agreeable  people.  I  have  the 
benefit  of  a  neighborhood  that  is  improved,  and  a  society 
that  is  benevolent  and  kind.  I  trust  however,  that  I  know 
enough  of  human  nature,  not  to  consider  these  things  as 
everlasting.  But  I  shall  keep  my  staff  in  my  hand,  and 
be  waiting  for  the  word  march,  like  my  brethren  the 
prophets.  Our  circumstances  here  where  societies  are  old 
and  well  organized,  are  not  altogether  similar  to  those  of 
our  brethren  in  Vermont,  who  have  to  stem  the  current  of 
fluctuating   opinions.     But  we  have  some  thorns  and 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


289 


t/tistles  in  this  pleasant  land.  In  short  a  minister's  life  is 
far  from  being  most  eligible  as  to  temporal  considerations. 
It  has  its  sacrifices,  which  nothing  but  sincerity  and  a  good 
conscience  can  counterbalance. 

"  My  best  love  to  sister  A  .    Tell  her,  to  that 

question  which  she  asked  me  last  fall,  I  answer  yes,  and 
should  have  done  it  then,  had  it  not  been  for  Capt.  F.  If 
she  should  add  to  her  question,  who,  and  where,  and  tchen  ? 
or  any  such  little  words,  tell  her,  come  and  see — come  next 
winter  and  see.  I  am  in  haste.  Remember  me  with 
much  affection  to  our  Tinmouth  friends  at  M.  I  am  your 
distant,  but  ever  affectionate  friend  and  brother. 

"  Tell  A  to  send  me  a  catalogue  of  her  boys." 

Three  or  four  letters  which  follow,  were  addressed  to  an 
intimate  friend  in  Connecticut,  who  was  his  room-mate 
during  his  whole  course  of  classical  and  professional  study. 

"^ndover,  March  12,  1812. 

"  Brother  Swift, 

"  The  first  thought  that  strikes  me  on  writing  your 
name  is,  that  after  spending  twenty  years  in  the  most 
familiar  intercourse  of  friendship,  we  are  at  length,  in 
Providence  removed  from  each  other.  But  this  intercourse, 
however  it  may  henceforward  be  subject  to  interruptions 
for  a  few  years,  will  not  cease  in  this  life,  and  I  humbly 
trust  will  neither  cease  nor  be  interrupted  in  the  next. 

"My  journey  hither  was  prosperous  beyond  all  expecta- 
tion. For  a  part  of  six  days  while  I  was  travelling,  the 
weather  was  uninterruptedly  good  ;  and  the  sleighing  was 
perfect.  Not  a  foot  of  bare  ground  was  to  be  seen  through 
the  whole  way,  excepting  one  little  spot  in  Charlestown, 
about  a  rod.  I  have  been  received  with  great  cordiality 
by  the  good  men  in  this  region ;  with  the  bad  I  have  had 
no  intercourse.  For  several  days  I  have  been  troubled 
25 


290 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


with  a  cold  and  deafness  of  one  ear,  but  my  health  is  on 
the  whole  as  good  as  before  I  left  Connecticut.  And  I 
am  pretty  well  satisfied  that  nothing  but  a  good  heart  and 
comfortable  health  will  be  requisite  to  make  my  situation 
here  very  pleasant.  Concerning  the  religious  affairs  of 
this  commonwealth,  the  moral  and  civil  character  of  the 
people,  I  have  had  no  opportunity  to  form  any  new  opin- 
ions. The  face  of  the  country  hereabouts,  so  far  as  I  can 
judge  while  it  is  covered  with  snow,  is  more  pleasant  than 
I  expected.  The  Foreign  Mission  has  had  an  electric 
influence  on  Christians  in  this  region.  It  promises  to 
become  the  grave  of  their  jealousies,  and  the  central  point 
of  their  efforts.  Attempts  will  be  made  to  organize  mis- 
sionary societies  in  different  parts  of  Connecticut  next 
May.  Supplies  of  Buchanan's  book  and  of  Dr.  Wood's 
sermon,  &c.,  will  be  sent  on  soon.  I  hope  our  brethren 
will  unite  to  aid  the  good  cause. 

"  Now  for  your  affairs.  When  I  last  saw  you  I  did  not 
expect  to  come  away  so  soon.  I  know  you  must  be  dis- 
missed. I  know  you  will  be  dismissed  on  Christian  prin- 
ciples and  with  unblemished  reputation.  But  I  wish  to 
know  when,  and  every  interesting  circumstance  respecting 
the  event.  I  do  hope  my  old  people  will  have  wisdom 
enough  to  invite  you  there  immediately  on  your  dismission. 
But  I  have  seen  the  subtlety  of  Satan,  and  the  caprice  of 
men  in  so  many  forms,  as  to  forbid  any  sanguine  calcula- 
tions on  what  is  future. 

"  Write  immediately.  I  shall  be  here  till  the  first 
Wednesday  in  May,  and  shall  with  leave  of  Providence 
attend  Hartford  Election  on  my  return.  Cannot  I  see  you 
there  ?    If  you  have  opportunity,  show  this  to  Mrs.  Porter. 

My  love  to  Mrs.  S  and  the  family. 

"  Immutably  yours." 
My  best  love  to  the  brethren." 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


291 


".Woyer,  Feb.  10,  1813. 

"  Brother  Swift, 

"  Your  last  letter  of  Noveuiber  was  a  long  time  in 
coming,  having  been  missent.    The  reasons  of  my  not 

answering  sooner  were  stated  in  a  letter  to  brother  , 

which  was  equally  intended  for  you.  Even  now  I  should 
iiardly  have  taken  my  pen,  were  I  not  straitened  in  spirit 
to  hear  from  you,  more  than  I  am  straitened  for  time  to 
write.    I  inferred  from  your  last  that  you  would  probably 

leave   .    I  have  since  been  informed,  very  indirectly, 

that  you  had  done  so,  and  were  preaching  at  ;  then 

again  that  you  was  not  to  be  there  through  the  winter ; 
that  it  was  very  sickly  there,  &.c.  Now,  how  do  you  think 
I  can  be  easy  to  have  only  broken  hints  about  these 
matters,  when  I  want  to  know  every  syllable;  and  one 
half  hour  of  yours  lent  to  me,  would  lighten  and  sweeten 
my  labors  for  a  week.  I  have  seen  brother  Backus's 
inaugural  sermon,  but  have  not  heard  a  word  directly 
from  him.  1  think  the  job  of  moving  will  reduce  his 
great  cheeks  ;  but  I  hope  the  Lord  will  be  with  him  and 
make  him  an  instrument  of  much  good. 

"  Your  old  brother." 

".'lndover,^pril2,  1813. 

"  Brother  Swift, 

"  Your  welcome  letter  of  March  2Gth  came  to-day. 
Pray  never  make  another  apology  for  writing  often.  My 
answer  must  be  short.  Last  Friday  night,  after  a  droop- 
ing week,  I  had  a  violent  attack  of  pleurisy.  The  pain  in 
my  side  was  so  intense  that  I  felt  disposed  to  scream  at 
every  breath,  and  yet  I  could  not  scream  for  want  of 
breath.  Mrs.  Porter  called  a  physician  immediately,  and 
by  his  help,  together  with  her  judicious  and  constant 
nursing,  I  was  relieved  before  morning,  and  have  been 
slowly  mending  since ;  so  that  yesterday  and  to-day  I  have 


292 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


ridden  out ;  but  have  done  no  business.  With  the  blessing 
of  Providence,  I  hope  a  few  days  prudent  attention  may 
restore  me.  I  never  felt  myself  literally  near  eternity 
before  last  Friday  night.  Then  for  a  little  time  it  was 
doubtful  whether  I  could  breathe  for  half  an  hour  longer. 
If,  as  it  is  not  impossible,  some  such  unexpected  moment 
should  snap  asunder  the  ties  that  have  united  me  to  you 
and  other  Christian  friends,  the  separation  I  humbly  hope 
will  be  but  momentary  ;  and  only  preparatory  to  a  perfect 
union  of  hearts  that  shall  be  without  end  and  without 
interruption. 

"  I  think  you  must  go  to  .    From  all  I  know  of 

the  case,  the  call  I  think  is  as  clear  as  there  was  any 
reason  to  expect  in  these  '  evil  times.'  The  first  part  of 
their  condition  ought  to  be  removed  ;  to  the  second  I  see 
no  objection,  only  that  it  is  much  ado  about  nothing.  It 
may  give  occasion  to  factious  individuals  to  make  trouble; 
especially  as  connected  with  the  first  clause.  If  they 
mean  the  last  as  explanatory  of  the  first — then  the  first  is 
needless ;  if  they  mean  more  by  the  first,  it  is  a  downright 
impropriety  under  a  fair  cloak.  Your  sound  judgment 
will  guide. 

"  As  to  ,  Esq.,  he  is  a  strange  mortal ;  good  pro- 
perties are  curiously  blended  with  bad  in  his  character, — 
generosity,  respect  for  ministers  and  old  habits,  with 
roughness,  pride  of  opinion,  malignity  to  enemies — piety 

 in  profession.    If  the  ground  is  clear  in  other 

respects,  be  not  afraid  of  him.  When  he  finds  that  you 
are  not  his  enemy  and  that  you  respect  your  duty  and 
yourself,  he  will  respect  you.  If  not,  he  cannot  hurt  you. 
His  tongue  will  be  tied  by  necessity — it  will  soon  be 
tied  by  death.  Indeed  I  should  not  be  disappointed  if 
he  and  his  son  should  in  two  years  be  your  most  ardent 
friends. 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


293 


"  I  have  already  exceeded  my  purpose  and  my  strength  : 
so  with  best  love  to  your  dear  family, 

"  I  remain  yours." 
""Andover,  Jan.  13,  1814. 

"  Dear  Brother, 

"If  it  did  but  afford  me  as  much  satisfaction  to 
answer  your  letters  as  it  does  to  receive  them,  I  should 
write  at  least  once  a  week.  But  I  have  no  disposition  to 
interrupt  the  relation  which  Providence  has  established 
betwixt  giving  and  receiving  ;  and  I  hope  you  will  not 
think  me  more  selfish  than  I  used  to  be.  In  truth,  I  have 
delayed  writing  a  few  days,  because  very  much  occupied. 
Mrs.  Porter's  health  has  been  impaired  this  winter  by 
frequent  attacks  of  erysipelas,  though  I  hope  she  will  soon 
enjoy  her  usual  health.  The  little  boy  has  been  quite 
sick  a  few  days  with  hooping  cough  and  a  fever,  but  is 
better.  My  own  health  is  slender.  Mrs.  H.  has  been 
with  us  a  week,  and  expects  to  stay  sometime.  From  the 
friendship  I  bear  her,  and  the  memory  of  her  dear 
deceased  husband,  I  have  engaged  to  do  what  I  can 
-towards  preparing  the  volume  of  sermons  which  is  to  be 
published.  I  have  engaged  also,  if  it  should  be  indispen- 
sable, to  write  the  sketch  of  his  character  to  be  inserted 
in  the  volume.  By  my  suggestion  she  has  written  to  Dr. 
Dwight,  to  engage  him  to  undertake  it,  if  he  will.  I  pre- 
sume the  subscription  in  your  region  will  be  liberal  for  the 
sermons. 

"  The  various  topics  of  your  letter  were  deeply  interest- 
ing to  us.    I  am  much  rejoiced  at  the  prosperous  sale  of 

your  property  at  ;  because  I  apprehended  no  small 

difficulty  on  that  subject.    I  wish  Mr.   could  have 

had  your  house,  but  you  was  certainly  under  no  obligation 
to  sustain  an  essential  sacrifice  for  his  accommodation.  I 
am  sure  that  he  will  need  your  counsel  and  friendly  offices 
25* 


294 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


in  many  ways,  and  have  no  doubt  of  your  disposition  to 
give  him  every  possible  aid.  If  I  have  not  mistaken  his 
temper,  he  will  receive  with  affection  and  gratitude  every 
token  of  your  friendship.  Would  God  that  I  had  as  much 
comfort  concerning  my  old  people  and  their  pastor,  as  you 

have  concerning  R  .*    My  friends  at  W.  are  silent 

about  their  affairs,  but  from  other  sources  rumors  reach 
my  ears  continually  of  very  ominous  import.  These  you 
must  know  distress  me.   But  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

"  I  very  much  rejoice  in  your  prospects  of  comfort  and 
usefulness  at  Derby.  If  God  permit,  I  hope  to  see  you 
among  your  new  people  next  May.  You  know  I  have  as 
much  reliance  on  your  judgment  as  on  any  man's;  and 
more  probably  than  you  have  on  your  own.  But  let  me 
suggest  a  few  hints — and  if  they  are  useless,  they  are 
cheap,  as  they  cost  only  a  little  of  my  time  to  write  and 
of  yours  to  read. 

You  speak  of  a  new  meeting-house.  I  hope  you  will 
watch  the  pulse  of  Derby,  to  push  that  point.  Every 
society  consists  of  various  sorts  of  men  ;  and  every  man  is 
actuated  by  various  principles.  In  the  absence  of  better 
principles,  parish  pride  is  an  excitement  to  certain  sorts 
of  men  to  act  well.  I  have  no  doubt  that  your  people 
■will  be  sufficiently  proud  of  their  new  minister.  But  they 
will  respect  their  minister  and  the  Sabbath  more,  love  one 
another  better,  and  on  all  accounts  feel  happier  and  even 
richer,  for  building  a  meeting-house.  Your  own  experi- 
ence will  suggest  the  importance  of  making  the  most  of 
circumstances.  I  think  ministers  have  often  erred  in  suf- 
fering the  first  love  of  their  people  to  pass  away  unim- 
proved, which  a  proper  forecast  and  energy  might  have 
turned  to  great  account.    I  hope  you  will  insist  on  punc- 


*  Two  or  three  persons  preceded  the  present  worthy  occupant 
of  Dr.  Porter's  pulpit. 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


295 


tual  payment  of  salary.  Do  set  duwn  yonr  foot  on  this 
subject,  and  keep  it  down,  unless  it  should  seem  best  to 
raise  it  now  and  then,  that  you  may  set  it  down  again 
more  firmly. 

If  1  were  to  be  re-settled  in  the  ministry,  I  would  have 
a  list  of  each  family  in  my  parish  at  first,  with  every 
child's  name  ;  and  note  each  special  peculiarity  of  any 
family  or  person,  that  I  could  fairly  ascertain.  I  would 
pay  much  attention  to  children  and  youth,  and  if  pos- 
sible get  an  ascendency  over  the  influential  youth.  And 
though  if  I  were  to  commence  preaching  again  at 
twenty-two,  I  should  feel  it  my  prime  duty  to  study — I 
think  if  1  were  to  enter  into  a  new  charge  now,  I  should 
try  to  make  the  most  of  prayer-meetings  and  religious 
visits.    Mr.  Payson  of  Portland  has  done  wonders  in  this 

way,  whereas  Dr.  •  has  less  parochial  influence  than 

he  would  have  if  more  active.  I  know  my  dear  brother 
you  need  no  suggestions  from  me.  Do  write  me  once  a 
month ;  and  if  I  cannot  answer  punctually,  my  amanuensis 
will  do  it. — Do  push  the  Panoplist  into  circulation." 

The  two  following  letters  were  addressed  to  a  friend  at 
that  time  iu  Europe. 

"Andover,  Sept.  15,  1817. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  Your  welcome  favor  of  June  30th  is  received.  I 
regret  that  I  am  obliged  to  answer  it  amidst  the  distrac- 
tions of  preparation  for  our  anniversary,  or  delay  till  Novem- 
ber, when  it  may  be  too  late.  I  rejoice  that  an  all-mer- 
ciful  Providence  has  been  propitious  to  you  thus  far  in 
your  absence,  and  hope  you  may  be  returned  in  safety  to 
the  sphere  of  benevolent  action  which  you  left.  In  the 
mean  time  you  may  be  doing  much  good.  The  hints  in 
your  letter  respecting  a  digested  history  of  revivals  in  our 


296 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


churches  are  important.  I  know  not  why  a  subject  of 
such  general  interest  should  have  slept  so  long,  and  I  am 
determined  if  God  will  to  see  its  execution  committed  to 
some  able  hand.  I  wish  you  while  in  Europe,  for  my 
satisfaction,  to  commit  to  paper  your  remarks  on  the  char- 
acteristic difference  betwixt  the  European  and  American 
pulpit,  as  to  subjects  of  sermons,  method,  length,  style, 
spirit,  delivery,  &c.  Any  remarks  on  preaching  will  be 
interesting.  Also  on  the  English  system  of  doing  good. 
If  you  can  procure  me  the  rhetorical  work  of  Vossius,  or 
any  new  works  on  preaching,  or  English  philology,  I  shall 
esteem  it  a  great  favor. 

"  I  received  your  papers  in  Georgia,  for  which  I  thank 
you.  On  my  return  I  attended  General  Assembly.  Of 
the  proceedings  of  that  body  you  are  probably  informed  ; 
but  I  will  add  a  word.  The  first  week  was  full  of  appre- 
hension ;  an  explosion  was  on  all  hands  expected.  It  was 
clearly  the  policy  of  good  and  sound  men  to  keep  that 

body  from  separation,  an  event  which  Dr.    was 

said  to  anticipate  with  satisfaction.  About  twelve  chief 
men  from  both  sides,  met  silently,  talked  freely,  explained, 
prayed.  The  meeting  was  solemn,  and  put  out  half  the 
fire.    An  adjourned  meeting  smothered  the  rest.  Dr. 

 ,  from  excessive  caution,  came  up  by  degrees  to  a 

bold  stand ;  condemned  the  Philadelphia  synodical  letter 
in  a  powerful  speech,  and  the  vote  of  the  Assembly  to 
the  astonishment  of  all  was  unanimous.  Hopkinsianism, 
as  they  call  it,  is  to  be  tolerated  in  the  Presbyterian  church, 
and  the  growing  strength  of  the  west  will  now  settle  the 
majority  speedily  and  finally. 

"  I  returned  from  Georgia  on  horseback,  with  increased 
health,  till  a  severe  cold  in  Philadelphia,  terminating  in  a 
pleurisy  after  I  reached  home,  put  me  down  for  a  season. 
I  am  now  restored  to  comfortable  health  by  the  kindness 
of  that  Providence  to  whom  I  owe  my  life  and  its  innumer- 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


297 


able  blessings.  Our  seminary  has  near  seventy  students, 
and  we  expect  a  class  of  about  forty  to  enter  in  November. 
Next  week  I  am  to  commence  a  visit  to  six  northern 
colleges,  for  public  purposes,  especially  appertaining  to 
the  means  of  increasing  the  number  of  good  ministers. 

"  In  great  haste,  truly  yours." 

"  P.  S.  I  have  it  not  in  my  power  at  present  to  collect 
any  number  of  reports,  &c.,  but  hastily  put  together  a  few 
pamphlets,  which  as  they  will  be  useless  to  yourself,  you 
may  give  to  Rev.  Legh  Richmond  or  Mr.  Burder,  or  any 
one  else  who  will  accept  them." 

"Jl7idover,  Jan.  30,  1818. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"Your  obliging  favor  of  October  29,  is  duly  received. 
I  rejoice  that  a  guardian  Providence  has  returned  you  in 
safety  from  your  long  excursion  on  the  continent.  It  is 
unpleasant  again  to  write  you  in  haste,  but  I  must  do  so 
or  omit  writing  altogether.  We  have  undertaken  to  new- 
model  our  American  Education  Society,  with  a  view  to 
extensive  operations  in  remote  States,  and  circumstances 
have  thrown  the  weight  of  this  arduous  business  on  my 
hands.  This  is  the  fourth  week  that  I  have  been  almost 
wholly  devoted  to  it,  and  I  have  yet  many  letters  and 
packages  to  make  up  for  to-morrow.  You  will  be  pleased 
to  know  that  we  now  have  one  hundred  and  twelve  benefi- 
ciaries; and  that  the  spirit  is  spreading.  The  western 
district  of  New-York  have  recently  formed  a  noble 
society.  You  will  also  be  gratified  to  know  that  our 
beloved  theological  seminary  prospers  greatly.  Our  new- 
building  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  United  States,  and  our 
new  class,  consisting  of  forty  two  members,  contains  many 
^rst  rate  young  men.  Our  whole  number  is  eighty-one. 
One  of  our  last  class  is  laboring  with  great  effect  in  New- 


298 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


York  city — another  is  just  stationed  at  Utica,  and  another 
is  to  succeed  Dr.  Strong,  at  Hartford. 

"  On  the  subject  of  making  British  Christians  ac- 
quainted with  our  religious  concerns,  we  all  felt  the 
remarks  of  your  letter  last  summer  ;  and  I  have  requested 

brother  H  ,  now  of  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  to  write  a  book, 

exhibiting  the  grand  movements  in  the  kingdom  of  grace, 
to  be  introduced  with  a  preparatory  sketch  of  the  last  fifty 
years,  and  followed  up  with  a  digested  view  of  modern 
revivals.  I  wish  it  may  be  to  the  church  what  Robertson's 
Charles  Fifth  is  to  the  civil  world. 

"  I  send  a  few  pamphlets  which  you  will  use  according 
to  your  discretion.  The  manuscript  sermon  of  Dr. 
Bellamy,  which  is  enclosed,  though  illegible,  may  amuse 
some  one  who  knows  his  character.  I  will  follow  it  with 
one  of  President  Edwards  and  Dr.  Hopkins,  if  they  can 
be  had.  This  reminds  me  of  a  favor  I  wish  to  ask.  You 
know  how  great  a  rarity  it  would  be  to  show  in  our  library, 
a  manuscript  of  Watts,  or  Doddridge,  or  Thomas  Scott,  or 
John  Newton.  Some  relic  of  any  English  Father  would 
be  highly  esteemed. 

"  I  must  finish,  as  the  last  moment  of  my  time  is  gone 
before  the  package  must  take  its  departure.  For  the 
purpose  just  alluded  to  and  for  other  general  purposes, 
which  you  can  easily  understand,  I  wish  to  exchange  a 
letter,  say  once  a  year,  with  some  minister,  who  is  intelli- 
gent and  evangelical,  in  London  or  vicinity.  Will  you 
negotiate  this  thing  for  me  and  give  me  word  ?  I  had 
thought  of  Mr.  Burder  or  Mr.  Tracy,  but  prefer  leaving 
the  thing  to  you. 

"  With  inviolable  regard,  yours." 

"  P.  S.  Phillips  Academy  is  smoking  in  ashes,  having 
been  burnt  down  last  night. 

"  1  forget  what  pamphlets  I  sent  before." 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


299 


The  following,  addressed  to  his  colleague,  the  present 
Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History  in  the  theologicaJ 
seminary,  is  dated 

".indover,  Oct.  5,  1S29. 

"Rev.  and  dear  Sir, 

"  Before  this  time,  doubtless,  you  are  officially  informed 
of  your  election  to  the  Brown  Professorship  in  our  sem- 
inary. The  choice  I  suppose  was  unanimous  in  both 
Boards.  The  importance  of  the  seminary  to  the  church 
of  God,  in  this  country  and  others,  and  through  all  time  ; — 
and  the  necessity  that  its  officers  be  men  of  substantial 
character  as  to  piety,  judgment,  sober  orthodoxy,  and 
absolute  devotedness  to  their  work,  in  order  that  their 
influence  may  be  salutary  here,  and  adapted  to  secure 
public  confidence,  are  things  which  you  know  already,  as 
well  as  I  could  tell  you.  The  guardians  of  these  sacred 
interests  have  selected  you  to  be  associated  in  the  great 
work  to  be  done  here  ;  and  my  object  in  writing  this  hasty 
letter,  is  to  say,  that  I  confidently  hope  you  will  accept  the 
appointment,  and  that  speedily. 

"  Our  days  of  peril  and  perplexity  I  hope  are  past. 
Our  trustees  have  survived  the  mischiefs  attendant  on 
the  original  amalgamation  aimed  at  in  forming  the  insti- 
tution. Both  Boards  combine  as  much  solid  excellence  as 
can  be  found  in  any  similar  bodies,  and  more  than  1  know 
in  any  other. 

"  You  are  aware  of  the  general  estimation  in  which  you 
have  been  held  by  myself;  and  though  Dr.  W.  was  absent 
when  the  election  was  made,  and  has  been  since,  you  need 
not  have  any  doubt,  that  the  faculty  will  welcome  you  as 
a  fellow-laborer,  with  the  most  perfect  cordiality.  I  can 
assure  you  that  you  have  nothing  to  fear  on  this  score. 
Indeed  nothing  in  the  past  or  present  state  of  the  semi- 
nary need  to  be  any  ground  of  apprehension  on  your  part. 


300 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  Presuming,  as  I  must,  that  you  will  view  this  to  be  a 
plain  call  of  Providence,  let  me  say  that  I  hope  you  will 
be  satisfied  to  take  the  shortest  and  easiest  way  of  de- 
ciding the  case,  viz.  to  make  known  to  your  people  and 
to  the  Consociation,  your  judgment  in  favor  of  acceptance. 
From  settled  usage  in  such  cases,  I  cannot  doubt  that  an 
enlightened  church  and  council  would  decide  on  your 
dismission,  without  such  a  decision  of  your  own  ;  but  from 
much  observation  I  am  quite  clear  that  the  other  course  is 
best. 

•*  I  am  anxious  too  that  you  should  come  immediately, 
I  mean  as  soon  as  possible.  The  probability  is  that  I 
must  be  absent  this  winter,  on  account  of  broken  health  ; 
and  though  an  extra  instructor  of  the  senior  class  will  be 
provided,  your  presence  here  is  needed,  to  assist  in 
preaching,  and  in  criticising  sermons,  and  to  make  all 
convenient  despatch  for  entering  on  your  own  more 
special  duties  of  instruction. 

"  My  dear  brother,  lay  this  subject  before  God.  Ask 
him  if  the  annual  charge  of  one  hundred  and  forty  young 
ministers  is  not  more  important  than  that  of  any  parish  in 
Christendom  ? — and  in  the  light  of  eternity  decide  what 
he  '  will  have  you  to  do.' 

"  If  you  write  me  something  on  this  subject  immediately 
on  receipt  of  this,  I  shall  feel  much  obliged. 

"Affectionately  yours." 

We  close  this  selection  from  Dr.  P.'s  familiar  letters, 
with  two  which  were  addressed  to  Mrs.  Porter. 

".Yeiv  York,  July  18,  1827, 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  You  know  where  I  slept  the  night  after  leaving 
Boston,  or  rather,  did  not  sleep,  for  the  same  reason  that 
gave  me  so  much  inconvenience  one  night  on  our  Connec- 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER.  301 

ticut  journey,  and  many  other  nights  in  past  journeyings. 
If  I  were  an  emperor,  and  obliged  to  travel,  there  is  one 
annoyance  to  sleep  that  I  should  dread  as  much  as  '  cares 
of  state.'  Our  cavalcade  of  coaches  from  7  o'clock  to  12, 
was  five  in  number.  The  one  in  which  I  was  seated  had 
eight  passengers,  well-bred,  all  but  an  old  lady  whose  vocal 
organs  were  incessantly  employed,  in  telling  the  wonders 
she  had  seen,  and  read,  and  heard  of  in  Boston.  I  escaped 
any  direct  address  by  a  posture  of  slumber.  On  board  the 
boat,  Chancellor  Livingston,  were  about  sixty  passengers, 
two  ministers  besides  myself  At  dinner  the  talkative  old 
lady  sat  next  me,  and  soon  after  being  seated  pointed  to  the 
decanter  before  me,  and  asked,  '  Is  that  brandy  ? '  I  said 
nothing.  She  repeated  the  question,  '  is  that  brandy  1 '  I 
said,  '  it  looks  like  it,'  and  said  no  more.  '  I  wish  a  little 
of  it,'  said  she,  '  only  a  little'  My  difficulty  in  under- 
standing her  question  was  observed  by  ladies  and  others 
that  sat  near,  and  produced  a  significant  look  and  shrug 
across  the  table.  I  handed  the  decanter  at  last,  and  ob- 
served— '  Ladies  in  many  places  are  forming  temperance 
societies.'  '  I  know  it,'  said  she,  '  but  some  people  cannot 
do  without  a  little  spirit.'  This  occurrence  explained  the 
intolerable  loquacity  of  the  morning.  I  observed  but  one 
other  passenger  use  brandy,  and  that  was  a  man.  At  tea 
a  man  was  near  me,  who,  as  I  afterwards  learned,  began 
life  with  a  fine  estate  and  high  prospects  of  reputation,  but 
now  talked  so  foolishly  as  to  make  some  respectable  ac- 
quaintances at  the  table  blush  for  him,  because  he  had 
'  let  in  a  thief  at  the  mouth,  to  steal  away  his  brains.'  At 
II  o'clock,  this  same  wretched  man  awoke,  having  slept 
three  hours,  and  with  two  or  three  associates,  called  for 
spirits,  and  set  up  such  a  clamor  of  tongues,  that  no  pas- 
senger could  sleep  for  an  hour.  All  this,  though  an  un- 
expected vexation,  does  not  discourage  me  as  to  the 
ultimate  triumph  of  the  temperance  cause.  One  year 
26 


302 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


more  will  banish  decanters  from  all  the  tables  of  our 
steam-boats. 

"  I  cannot  say  any  thing  as  to  my  return,  but  cheerfully 
commit  my  dear  wife  and  all  the  great  interests  of  the 
beloved  seminary,  to  the  care  of  a  gracious  Providence. 

"  With  much  love  to  my  dear  brethren  and  the  neigh- 
bors, I  am  truly  and  ever  yours." 

"  Saratoga  Springs,  Aug.  8,  1829. 

"  My  dear  Wife, 

"  As  to  my  health,  it  is  gradually  mending.  Dr. 
Mitchell  of  Philadelphia,  and  Dr.'s  Ives  and  Willet  of 
New  York,  examined  my  chest  with  a  stethoscope,  a 
modern  instrument,  to  determine  the  state  of  the  vital 
organs,  and  the  result  of  their  investigations  is  I  suppose 
decisive  that  there  is  no  organic  disease  of  the  lungs,  that 
has  produced  the  cough,  but  that  this  proceeds  from  other 
causes.  The  damp  and  foetid  atmosphere  of  New  York 
deranged  my  bowels,  as  well  as  disturbed  my  lungs.  But 
for  some  days,  I  liave  had  no  cough  worthy  of  notice. 
Still  I  am  satisfied  that  these  waters  are  not  adapted  to  my 
present  state. 

"  Had  I  seen  less  of  men  than  I  have,  the  motley  as- 
semblage here,  in  which  the  aged  and  the  young,  the 
beautiful  and  the  deformed,  the  wealthy  and  the  pennyless, 
the  pious  and  the  profane,  the  intelligent  and  the  foolish, 
I  might  add,  the  subjects  of  no  disease  but  the  '  madness 
of  the  heart,'  and  the  subjects  of  every  distressing  and 
mortal  malady  '  that  flesh  is  heir  to,' — strangely  congre- 
gated in  this  village,  would  fill  me  with  curiosity  and  sur- 
prise. As  it  is,  I  look  on  a  few  men  and  women  here 
with  respect,  and  on  the  rest  with  an  indifference  that  it 
should  alarm  me,  or  a  contempt  that  it  should  distress  me 
to  feel  towards  any  human  being.  The  gay  triflers  I  pity; 
the  riotous  and  profane  I  abhor  ;  and  yet  I  am  self-rebuked 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER.  303 

wlien  I  reflect  how  would  Brainerd  feel  towards  these 
immortal  creatures  of  God,  hastening  onward  to  his  bar. 

"My  best  love  to  our  family,  and  to  those  of  our  be- 
loved circle.  Truly  and  ever  yours." 

Though  Dr.  Porter  was  not  a  father,  he  was  from  an 
early  period  after  his  settlement  in  the  ministry,  the  head 
of  a  family ;  and  in  this  relation,  with  scarcely  a  year  s 
interruption  to  the  close  of  his  life,  he  discharged  the 
duties  of  a  father  towards  a  succession  of  the  children  of 
his  relatives  or  other  friends.  In  the  administration  of 
family  government  he  united  paternal  solicitude  with 
enlarged  views  of  parental  responsibility.  Fully  aware 
that 

"  Children  like  oziers,  take  the  bow, 
And  as  they  first  are  fashioned,  always  grow," 

he  felt  that  their  mental  and  moral  character  were  to  be 
shaped  with  an  equal  reference  to  their  own  well-being, 
and  to  that  of  society.  He  was  wont  to  ascribe  much  of 
the  regularity  and  sobriety  of  New  England  habits  to  the 
excellent  domestic  discipline  of  past  generations,  and  much 
of  the  declension  in  morals  observable  in  many  communi- 
ties, to  a  growing  laxness  in  family  government.  The  fol- 
lowing remarks  on  this  subject  are  from  a  letter  to  Mrs. 
Porter.  "  This  morning  I  took  the  steam-boat  at  half 
past  6  o'clock.  The  passengers  are  decorous,  sober 
people  in  their  manners,  excepting  one  prating  old  man, 
whose  only  defect  is  want  of  sense.    The  contrast  between 

these  people  and  those  of  the  boat  is  inconceivable 

to  one  who  has  not  seen  the  thing  in  reality.  If  I  were  to 
analyze  this  very  striking  exhibition  of  character,  I  should 
say  the  difference  must  be  owing  to  causes,  radical  and 
permanent  in  their  operation.  The  simplicity  and  de- 
cency of  manners  which  I  have  witnessed  this  morning. 


304 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


is  to  be  ascribed  at  once  to  the  early  habits  of  those  vener- 
able men,  who  peopled  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut. 
The  vital  impulse  of  the  principles,  which  have  been 
diffused  and  perpetuated  in  such  happy  results,  consists  in 
their  being  Christian  principles.  These  ancestors  have 
indeed  many  degenerate  sons,  who  are  depraved  in  a  high 
degree  ;  and  when  exempt  from  the  restraints  of  home, 
arc  grossly  insensible  to  duty,  to  shame,  and  decency. 
But  the  early  discipline  of  the  family,  the  school,  and  the 
sanctuary  enjoyed  in  New  England,  gives  a  moral  char- 
acter to  its  population,  as  different  from  that  of  some  other 
parts  of  our  country,  as  light  is  from  darkness. 

"  In  several  other  respects  this  journey  has  strengthened 
the  grateful  recollection,  which  I  hope  always  to  cherish, 
of  the  obligations  I  am  under  to  the  restraints  and  exam- 
ples of  my  excellent  parents.  I  have  a  thousand  times 
seen  the  life  of  a  man  rendered  a  scene  of  perplexity  and 
vexation,  through  habits  formed  by  the  false  tenderness  of 
parents,  and  extending  their  influence  to  the  whole 
character  afterwards,  so  that  the  miserable  subject  has 
looked  for  a  conformity  to  his  feelings  and  whims  from  all 
around  him,  and  even  from  the  arrangements  of  Provi- 
dence. A  young  gentleman,  my  fellow  traveller  last 
week,  in  the  inflammatory  stage  of  a  cold,  ate  immoderately 
of  solid  food,  with  a  dessert  of  pies,  &-c.,  and  after  it  gave 
him  a  fever,  complained  grievously  of  his  bad  dinner. 
The  same  sort  of  men  are  querulous  in  all  circumstances. 
The  driver  is  blamed  for  the  dust  he  makes.  His  pace  is 
too  slow  or  too  rapid.  The  breakfast  is  too  late  or  too 
early.  The  beef  is  too  much  or  too  little  roasted.  The 
road  is  too  level  or  too  hilly.  The  habits  of  a  people  are 
all  wrong  if  they  differ  however  much  for  the  better,  from 
those  to  which  the  man  has  been  accustomed  :  and  a  city 
is  an  ugly  place,  if  its  appearance  is  in  any  sort,  otherwise 
than  he  expected.    It  is  a  pity  that  a  transient  inhabitant 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


305 


of  this  world,  should  be  all  his  life  at  war  with  its  elements, 
and  its  accommodations,  because  he  was  not  taught  a  few 
lessons  of  submission  and  self-denial  in  childhood." 

Entertaining  these  views,  Dr.  Porter  aimed  in  his  in- 
structions to  children  in  his  family,  as  to  children  in  his 
parish,  to  train  them  to  early  habits  of  self-control.  In 
discipline  he  was  mild,  uniform,  and  inflexible.  The 
reasonableness  of  his  requirements  was  always  obvious, 
and  the  child  was  taught  that  compliance  was  indispen- 
sable. He  labored  first  to  impress  the  child  with  a  sense 
of  moral  obligation  ;  next  to  train  him  to  habits  of  sobriety, 
industry,  and  order.  Though  he  employed  occasionally 
direct  personal  address  on  the  subject  of  religion,  he 
resorted  to  it  much  less  frequently  in  his  family  than  many 
parents ;  a  fact  which  was  also  observable  in  his  inter- 
course with  others.  While  his  mode  of  government  im- 
posed restraint  on  all  who  were  its  subjects,  it  happily 
secured  their  confidence  and  affection.  This  was  espe- 
cially true  of  his  domestics,  his  treatment  of  whom  was 
uniformly  mild  and  paternal.  Each  child  in  his  house  had 
his  or  her  duty  assigned  with  much  particularity,  and  for  its 
prompt  and  proper  discharge  was  held  responsible.  In  this 
matter  he  carried  his  principles  so  far  as  to  designate  the 
implements  each  individual  should  use,  hoping  thus  to 
prevent  unhappy  collisions,  and  to  inculcate  due  respect 
for  the  rights  of  others. 

The  following  "  paternal  directions,"  wiitten  near  the 
close  of  his  life,  for  the  use  of  one  in  whose  welfare  he  felt 
a  father's  interest,  exhibit  his  views  of  a  patent's  duty 
towards  his  son  during  a  most  important  period  of  his  life  : 
contain  counsels  which  it  is  devoutly  to  be  wished  might 
meet  the  eye  and  secure  the  attention  of  every  youth, 
leaving  the  domestic  circle  for  the  untried  scenes  and 
temptations  of  a  residence  at  college. 
26* 


306 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


"  1.  Let  no  day  pass  without  reading  the  Bible,  and 
secret  prayer  :  and  if  you  have  a  pious  room-mate,  prayer 
in  your  room. 

"  2.  Have  a  stated  time  daily  for  these  devotional  exer- 
cises. 

"  3.  Never  break  a  law  of  college,  nor  encourage  any 
one  to  do  it.    To  be  sure  of  this  study  the  laws. 

"4.  Join  no  combination  to  resist  authority. 

"  5.  Make  conscience  of  it  not  to  be  marked  on  the 
monitor's  bill — unless  you  are  sick.  Let  me  know  how 
many  such  marks  you  have  in  a  term. 

"6.  Next  to  your  fZpuo</on.'!,  your  primary  care  is  to 
get  your  lessons.    And  as  to  the  disposal  of  spare  time 

for  reading,  ask  Mr.    *  what  books  and  in  what 

order. 

'•7.  Exercise  should  be  uniform  as  the  sun;  always  be- 
fore meals,  if  you  can. 

"8.  Avoid  night  studies  after  10  o'clock. 

"  9.  If  your  health  requires  it,  ask  good  medical 
advice. 

"  10.  As  to  boarding  place,  purchase  of  books,  and 

prudentials  generally,  take  no  steps  without  Mr.  's 

advice. 

"11.  1  shall  send  no  money  beforehand,  for  your  regU' 
lar  and  principal  expenses.  The  bills  must  come  to  me 
at  vacations,  that  they  may  be  paid  at  the  beginning  of 
each  new  term. 

"  12.  As  to  minor  expenses  which  must  be  paid  at  the 
time,  keep  an  exact  account  to  a  cent,  and  bring  it  to 
me. 

"  13.  Write  to  me  whenever  there  is  anything  special. 
In  other  cases,  write  to  me  or  some  of  the  family,  a  journal 
letter  or  letters  to  be  sent  as  you  have  conveyance. 

•  A  gentleman  whom  Dr.  Porter  had  requested  to  act  as  guardian 
for  the  individual  to  whom  the  directions  were  addressed. 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


307 


"  14.  Take  care  of  your  tongue, — especially  when  ex- 
cited be  silent. 

"  15.  Take  care  what  and  to  whom  you  speak  of  others 
characters. 

"  16.  Take  care  of  your  temper. — When  excited  stop 

 think  think  after  a  day  or  a  week 

act,  not  sooner. 

"  If  you  would  have  your  class-mates  love  you,  love 
them :  be  benevolent.  Be  modest,  kind,  gentle.  You 
cannot  force  esteem  ;  you  must  win  it.  To  do  this,  you 
must  deserve  it,  and  then  in  the  end  you  will  have  it." 

As  specimens  of  his  paternal  instructions  given  from 
time  to  time,  extracts  from  three  or  four  of  his  letters  to 
the  same  individual,  are  subjoined. 

"  Dear  D  , 

"  The  admission  of  our  new  class  occupies  all  my 

time,  but  I  cannot  fail  by  Mr.  to  write  you  a  line. 

You  know  that  my  first  desire  is  that  you  take  care  of 
your  heart,  and  aim  daily  to  grow  in  piety.  My  next  de- 
sire is  that  you  get  every  lesson  well,  and  do  every  duty 
as  a  member  of  college  in  the  best  manner.  For  this  pur- 
pose be  steady,  and  quiet  in  every  thing.  Be  in  season  in 
every  thing.  Guard  against  impatience  and  impetuosity. 
When  you  feel  anxious  to  do  something  now,  acquire  the 
habit  of  thinking  twice  before  you  do  it ;  especially  if  you 
get  the  least  intimation  from  one  whose  judgment  you 
should  respect,  that  it  is  a  doubtful  thing.  You  must 
learn  to  wait  and  be  quiet  about  trifling  affairs. 

"  Your  first  duty  is  to  be  a  humble  growing  Christian, 
— next  a  good  scholar,  not  a  middling  one, — next  a  good 
subject  of  college  rules,  not  a  radical.  I  trust  you  will 
keep  such  health  as  not  to  leave  A.  in  term  time.  I  have 
not  said  to  you  ever,  what  I  should  have  said  to  you 


308 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


before,  shun  social  avocations,  that  may  interfere  with 
study  ;  and  beware  of  premature  female  attachments.  Sat 
vcrbum." 

"  Dear  D  , 

"  In  general  I  shall  answer  your  letters  when  they  re- 
quire an  answer,  soon  after  their  receipt.  But  so  pressed 
as  I  am  with  engagements,  you  will  often  have  my  an- 
swer only  in  the  general  shape  of  a  letter  from  some  one  of 
the  family.  I  am  well  aware  that  you  have  good  reasons  to 
be  contented  and  happy,  and  I  am  especially  glad  to  learn 
that  you  arc  so.  Happiness,  however,  arises  in  all  cases, 
not  so  much  from  circumstances  as  from  the  state  of  the 
mind  ;  and  you  may  settle  it  as  a  general  principle,  that 
just  so  far  as  you  are  unhappy  in  any  case,  something  with- 
in calls  for  repentance  and  amendment.  Your  letters  in 
the  form  of  journal,  may  properly  be  quite  particular,  as 
to  your  means  of  spiritual  cultivation,  I  mean  your  daily 
habits  as  to  devotional  reading,  and  seasons  of  secret  prayer, 
— your  studies,  your  exercise,  what  and  when, — your  diet, 
&c.  : — as  to  your  associates  too,  that  is,  what  is  useful  and 
what  hurtful  in  the  influence  of  others  on  yourself 

"  As  to  the  care  of  your  heart,  it  is  a  settled  point,  that 
a  healthy  state  of  mind  depends  on  proper  means,  as  well 
as  health  of  body.  If  you  were  to  eat  nothing  or  poison, 
your  body  would  be  sickly.  If  you  would  keep  your  heart 
near  to  God,  you  must  never  allow  irregularhy  and  remiss- 
ness in  reading  the  Bible,  Baxter,  &.c. — A  stated  season  for 
this  may  as  well  be  maintained  as  for  meals;  and  hurry, 
or  bustle  of  college  engagements  is  no  good  excuse  for 
neglecting  either.  Better  indeed  forego  the  meals  than  the 
devotional  exercises.  I  am  glad  to  see  that  you  have  some 
growing  convictions  of  the  great  importance  of  watching 
the  moral  influences,  which  mu.st  bear  upon  your  spiritual 
state  in  different  circumstances. 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER 


309 


"  My  next  concern  is  for  your  intellectual  habits  and  your 
health.  The  question  whether  you  can  go  on  at  college, 
'  simplex  duntaxat  et  unum '  as  a  student,  is  the  hinge 
of  your  whole  hereafter.  Your  success  in  life  requires 
that  the  habits  of  a  solid,  well  informed  man  be  settled 
now  ;  and  your  safety  even  requires  that  a  purpose  coolly 
settled,  should  not  be  changed  under  the  occurrence  of 
circumstances  that  might  readily  be  foreseen." 

"  Dear  D  , 

"  We  are  glad  to  learn  from  your  letters  that  your 
health  is  so  good,  and  hope  you  will  feel  the  obligation  to 
be  first  of  all  thankful  to  your  heavenly  Benefactor,  and 
next  faithful  in  devoting  to  his  glory  all  your  time  and  tal- 
ents, by  aiming  every  day  to  gain  useful  knowledge,  that 
you  may  be  prepared  to  serve  God.  You  may  never 
reach  the  requisite  age  to  enter  into  the  ministry,  to  which 
I  suppose  you  consider  yourself  consecrated  by  your  own 
solemn  purpose,  if  you  shall  live  and  be  qualified  for  that 
sacred  profession.  Philip  of  Macedon  kept  a  man  in  pay, 
only  to  repeat  to  him  daily  one  sentence,  '  Remember 
Philip  that  thou  art  mortal.' 

"  I  hope  you  will  never  think  of  finding  any  excuse, 
(for  no  good  one  can  be  found,)  for  neglecting  the  regular 
duties  of  the  closet,  viz  :  self  examination,  reading  the 
Bible,  and  some  such  book  as  Baxter's  Saint's  Rest,  daili/. 
I  say  regular,  because  all  experience  proves  that,  with- 
out regularity  as  to  times,  secret  devotion  amounts  to 
nothing. 

"  I  wish  you  to  be,  not  penurious,  but  vigilant  and 
economical  as  to  expense.  I  say  this  rather  to  form  your 
general  habits  aright ;  otherwise  you  could  never  be  a 
minister,  without  endless  trouble  in  secular  affairs.  Take 
care  not  to  buy  any  thing,  even  a  goose  quill  or  pencil, 
that  you  can  do  without.    At  the  same  time,  you  must  not 


310 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


save  a  cent  at  the  expense  of  character ;  where  justice  or 
settled  usage,  that  is  consistent  with  good  conscience, 
constitute  a  fair  claim  on  you  ;  such  as  taxes  for  your  cus- 
tomary classical  expenses,  or  those  of  a  society  you  have 
deliberately  joined. 

"  Be  discreet  in  talking  about  your  expenses,  or  any 
other  subject  especially  that  is  a  subject  of  excitement. 

If  you  remove  from  Mrs.  's  after  this  term,  be  at 

least  a  month  in  inquiring  what  will  be  your  fare,  your 
associates,  expense,  &c. 

"Your  standing  at  college  ought  to  depend  and  will 
depend  on  your  daili/  recitations,  and  daily  punctuality 
and  regularity  in  your  duties  as  a  student. 

"  I  must  commit  you,  dear  D  ,  and  the  rest  of 

the  family  to  God,  during  my  expected  long  absence.  If 
I  should  never  see  you  again,  remember  the  counsels  I 
have  given  you.  Probably  I  may  not  .soon  write  you  an- 
other letter,  and  to  write  this  I  postpone  other  pressing 
duties." 

Again  he  writes  : — 

"  You  know  it  is  one  of  my  practical  maxims,  '  What 
is  worth  doing,  is  worth  doing  well.'  I  wish  I  could  an- 
swer all  your  inquiries  fully,  though  in  doing  so,  I  should 
little  more  than  repeat  my  ^  line  upon  line'  counsels 
given  you  heretofore.  I  have  watched  the  developments 
of  your  character,  as  you  know,  with  solicitude.  The 
rank  of  ultimate  usefulness,  to  which  you  are  destined,  de- 
pends under  Providence,  on  the  patient,  steady  march  with 
which  you  go  on  in  the  daily  {daily  I  say)  discipline  of 
your  mind,  and  acquisition  of  knowledge.  Hence  when 
you  ask  me,  '  how  can  fixedness  of  purpose  be  obtained?' 
instead  of  a  long  answer,  I  say,  if  you  '  watch  and  pray  ' 
daily — the  next  best  remedy  for  constitutional  vacillations 
of  purpose,  is  to  have  a  grand,  absorbing  object  ahead,  of 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


311 


which  you  are  not  to  lose  sight  any  one  day  of  your  life. 
The  work  of  each  day  is  to  drive  towards  that  object,  as  a 
wise  mariner  does  towards  his  port.  One  day  he  goes 
ahead  rapidly,  another  moderately  if  wind  and  tide  oppose 
him  ;  but  he  goes  ahead,  instead  of  turning  about  because 
he  hieets  difficulties.  Amid  the  thousand  cross  currents 
that  will  assail  you,  hold  the  helm  stiff,  and  go  forward. 
While  you  determine  (from  love  to  Christ  as  I  hope)  to 
be  a  learned  man,  you  must  study ;  must  study  patiently, 
daily.  Let  all  other  cares  and  projects  and  day-dreams 
go  to  the  winds.  Do  your  day's  work  of  study,  eacli  day, 
and  ask  no  questions  about  hereafter.  Take  care  of  your 
to-days,  and  your  to-morrows  will  take  care  of  themselves. 
I  will  lose  no  time  in  guarding  these  hints  against  mis- 
construction, for  I  presume  you  will  construe  them  ac- 
cording to  common  sense,  and  not  as  implying  a  rigid 
disregard  of  the  future.  But  if  I  should  live  to  see  the 
time  when  you  are  ready  to  serve  Christ,  and  he  has 
nothing  for  you  to  do,  I  will  take  all  back.  I  cannot 
think  you  mean  any  thing  to  your  own  purpose  in  saying, 

'  was  a  dunce  in  college.'    The  inference  is  bad 

logic.  Of  one  hundred  college  drones,  ninety-nine  are 
drones  through  life. 

"  As  to  my  own  plans  for  hereafter,  I  desire  to  folloio, 
not  to  lead  Providence.  I  would  keep  my  eye  upward, 
then  inward,  then  forward.  On  my  great  journey,  I  have 
always  been  obliged  to  be  content  with  seeing  my  path  a 
little  way  ahead. 

"  Your  affectionate  father." 

It  probably  will  be  difficult  to  designate  an  individual, 
whose  example  in  the  management  of  secular  affairs  may 
more  safely  be  regarded  as  a  model  than  that  of  Dr. 
Porter.  He  entangled  not  himself  with  the  affairs  of  this 
life,  but  by  prudent  forecast  kept  his  secular  matters  in 


312 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


such  train  as  effectually  to  guard  against  pecuniary  embar- 
rassment ;  to  prevent  the  clamor  of  disappointed  creditors, 
and  thus  avoid  the  reproach,  which  improvidence  or  want 
of  punctuality  in  the  Christian  minister,  infallibly  brings 
on  his  sacred  profession.  Of  his  pecuniary  concerns  he 
rarely  spoke  even  to  his  most  intimate  friends ;  the  entire 
system,  indeed,  with  which  they  were  conducted,  rendered 
them  to  himself  a  subject  of  but  little  thought  or  anxiety. 
Equity  marked  all  his  dealings  with  others.  The  maxim 
found  no  place  in  his  code  of  morals,  that  "  it  is  allowable 
to  procure  the  performance  of  a  service  on  any  terms 
which  are  most  favorable  to  our  own  interests."  With 
him  the  interests  of  others  were  always  to  be  consulted 
in  connection  with  his  own.  No  man  whom  he  had 
occasion  to  employ,  was  asked  to  receive  a  remuneration 
less  than  justice  would  award.  His  scrupulousness,  which 
in  this  respect  was  extreme,  resulted  as  much  perhaps, 
from  an  innate  abhorrence  of  dishonesty,  as  from  pious 
principle,  and  enlarged  views  of  ministerial  responsibility. 

His  expenditures  which  had  reference  to  himself  and 
his  family,  were  confined  within  as  narrow  limits  as  a 
judicious  economy  M'ould  allow ;  yet  when  they  had  refer- 
ence to  Christ's  kingdom,  they  were  limited  only  by  his 
ability,  or  by  the  exigencies  of  the  case.  Besides  his 
usual  contributions,  which  were  always  accounted  liberal, 
he  constituted  himself  by  the  payment  of  the  requisite 
sums,  a  member  for  life  of  the  American  Education 
Society ;  the  American  Home  Missionary  Society ;  the 
American  Bible  Society ;  the  American  Tract  Society ; 
the  Prison  Discipline  Society;  the  American  Temperance 
Society ;  and  several  other  benevolent  associations  of 
lesser  note. 

To  Dartmouth  College,  when  her  alumni  determined 
to  raise  such  an  accession  to  her  funds  as  should  exempt 
her  from  the  pressure  of  pecuniary  embarrassment,  and 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


313 


augment  her  means  of  usefulness,  Dr.  Porter  cheerfully 
and  liberally  contributed. 

In  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Andover,  he  founded 
two  scholarships  of  one  thousand  dollars  each,  designed 
to  furnish  a  support  for  two  indigent  young  men  while 
acquiring  their  professional  education. 

To  the  Porter  Rhetorical  Society  in  the  institution,  he 
gave  at  its  organization  five  hundred  dollars,  and  after- 
wards added  the  copy-right  of  his  Analysis  of  Rhetorical 
Delivery,  the  proceeds  of  which  have  exceeded,  by  several 
times,  the  amount  of  his  original  donation. 
;        Several  years  before  his  death,  he  founded,  by  the  pay- 
I    ment  of  one  thousand  dollars,  a  permanent  scholarship  in 
I    the  American  Education  Society. 

j       In  his  Will  he  gave  the  following  directions  respecting 
his  estate : — "  Item.   The  other  two  thirds  of  my  estate 
1    not  otherwise  disposed  of  in  this  instrument,  I  give  and 
'    bequeath  to  the  American  Education  Society,  in  sacred 
trust,  to  be  applied  for  the  purposes  of  that  society,  ac- 
cording  to  the  provisions  of  its  constitution. — Whatever 
j    shall  be  the  amount  of  said  bequest,*  which  shall  actually 
i    accrue  to  said  society,  it  shall  be  vested  in  productive 
funds,  and  divided  into  scholarships  of  one  thousand 
dollars  each,  which  scholarships  shall  be  managed  in  all 
i   respects,  according  to  the  constitution  and  rules  of  the 
j   society,  especially  the  rules  respecting  scholarships  as  at 
present  established."    The  remainder  of  his  estate,  with 
j  the  exception  of  a  few  small  legacies,  he  directed,  with 
the  full  approbation  of  his  widow,  should  after  her  decease 
be  paid  in  equal  sums  to  the  American  Bible  Society ; 
the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions ;  the  American  Home  Missionary  Society ;  and  the 
American  Tract  Society. 

The  amount  of  his  donations  for  religious  purposes 


*  It  amounts  to  upwards  of  fifteen  tlumsand,  dollars. 
27 


314 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


during  his  life,  and  at  his  decease,  probably  exceeds 
thirty  thousand  dollars.  Though  he  realized  considerable 
sums  for  his  publications,  the  fact  that  he  possessed  the 
means  of  doing  so  much,  with  comparatively  little  aid  from 
friends  ;  with  a  moderate  salary  during  his  ministry  ;  and 
subjected  in  after  life  to  great  expense  by  constant  in- 
firmity, is  to  be  attributed  chiefly  to  his  happy  tact  in  the 
management  of  his  secular  affairs  ;  to  the  rigid  economy 
by  which  his  own  expenditures  and  those  of  his  family 
were  uniformly  regulated ;  and  to  the  blessing  of  God  on 
the  determination  which  he  early  formed  to  devote  his 
property  after  his  decease  to  the  cause  of  Christ. 

In  his  apparel,  his  furniture,  and  his  equipage.  Dr.  Por- 
ter was  studiously  plain,  but  at  an  equal  remove  from 
parsimony  and  extravagance.  At  his  table,  which  was 
always  frugally  spread,  his  friends  and  the  friends  of  the 
Redeemer  met  a  uniform  and  cordial  welcome.  Here 
Christian  kindness  and  simplicity  presided,  banishing  the 
language  of  compliment  and  of  apology.  To  apologies, 
indeed,  in  all  common  cases,  he  entertained  a  decided 
aversion.  The  following  may  be  regarded  as  a  fair 
specimen  of  his  apologies  at  table,  when  he  thought  one 
imperiously  demanded.  A  distinguished  clergyman  from 
a  remote  part  of  the  country,  was  once  unexpectedly 
present  at  his  table,  when,  owing  to  the  circumstances 
of  the  family,  it  was  spread  with  unusual  plainness. 
Serving  his  guest  with  such  as  was  provided,  he  re- 
marked, "  Brother  H  ,  we  do  not  always  have  as  plain 

a  dinner  as  we  have  to-day."  *  The  cordiality  with  which 

•  The  degree  of  his  aversion  to  a  certain  kind  of  semi-apologies 
in  which  some  persons  often  indulge,  is  very  apparent  from  the 
following  ironical  remarks  in  his  hand-writing ; — "  When  you  are 
invited  to  a  friend's  table,  take  care  to  let  him  know  once  and  again 
that  you  have  no  appetite ;  that  you  eat  mechanically,  not  from  in- 
clination, but  from  a  sense  of  duty.  In  this  case,  should  it  so  happen 
tliat  you  eat  as  much  again  as  another  man,  all  the  company  will 


SOCIAL  CHARACTER. 


315 


he  received,  and  the  unaflFected  kindness  with  which  he 
entertained  his  guests,  rendered  his  house,  especially 
after  his  removal  to  Andover,  the  chosen  resort  of  a  full 
proportion  of  the  many  friends  of  Zion  who  constantly 
resorted  thither  for  the  transaction  of  business,  or  tempo- 
rarily to  enjoy  tiie  intelligence  and  piety  which  are  there 
concentrated.  Towards  the  close  of  his  life  however, 
he  found  it  impracticable,  in  consequence  of  declining 
strength,  to  discharge  his  official  duties,  and  at  the  same 
time  enjoy  as  extensively  as  he  had  done  the  society  of  his 
friends.  In  his  deportment  as  the  head  of  a  family,  and 
especially  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  while  he  aimed  daily 
to  exercise  the  other  Christian  and  ministerial  virtues,  he 
exhibited  a  signal  conformity  to  the  inspired  requisition, 
that  '  a  bishop  must  be  blameless  as  the  steward  of  God  ; 
not  given  to  filthy  lucre  ;  but  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover 
of  good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate.' 

No  delineation  of  Dr.  Porter's  social  character  can  be 
more  graphic  than  he  has  himself  furnished  in  describing 
that  of  his  friend.* — '  His  manners,  equally  remote  from 
austerity  and  from  levity,  exhibited  the  man,  simple,  open, 
amiable.  In  moments  of  relaxation,  his  conversation  was 
often  facetious,  but  never  frivolous ;  never  unbecoming 
his  sacred  office,  nor  inconsistent  with  strict  decorum. 
Though  he  was,  for  many  years,  in  habits  of  intimacy 
with  persons  of  the  first  respectability,  he  could  with  great 
ease  accommodate  himself  to  the  circumstances  of  those, 

have  practical  demonstration  that  you  eat  from  a  high  sense  of  duty. 
Another  advantage  of  eating  freely  without  appetite  is,  that  having 
done  so  at  one  meal,  you  are  sure  of  enjoying  the  same  privilege  at 
the  next ;  and  thus  you  acquire  the  habit  of  eating  like  a  rational, 
sober  man,  and  not  like  a  mere  animal,  from  the  instinct  of  hunger. 

"Take  a  dyspeptic  stomach  for  your  standard  as  to  food,  kinds, 
&c.,  and  then  measure  by  a  shadow  which  varies  or  vanishes,  while 
joa  are  in  the  act  of  taking  its  dimensions." 

*  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker, 


316 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


who  were  in  the  humblest  walks  of  life.  His  whole  de- 
portment was  a  pattern  of  that  better  sort  of  politeness, 
which  consists,  not  in  a  studied  conformity  to  the  usages 
of  the  fashionable  world,  but  in  simplicity  and  godly  sin- 
cerity. He  was  free  from  that  affected  frankness,  which 
makes  a  merit  of  uttering  every  rude  and  unseemly  thought 
to  others,  and  in  the  very  act  of  doing  a  kindness,  infalli- 
bly gives  offence.  Yet  no  man  could  tell  another  of  his 
faults  with  greater  fidelity  or  effect  than  he.  The  native 
benevolence  of  his  heart,  united  with  habitual  delicacy  of 
feeling,  and  sanctified  by  religious  principle,  qualified  him 
to  perform  the  most  difficult  duties,  in  the  most  unexcep- 
tionable manner." 


CHAPTER  XVI  I. 


CONNECTION  WITH  BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 

Remarks — Monday  evening  meeting — Monthly  concert — American 
Tract  Society— Christian  Sabbath— Letter  to  Gov.  Treadwell— 
Monroe's  tour — La  Fayette's  tour — American  Education  So- 
ciety—Labors in  its  behalf— Letter  to  Tabernacle  church— Letter 
to  Mr.  Cornelius — Mr.  C.'s  reply — Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Cogs- 
well— American  Home  Missionary  Society — Letter  to  Mr.  E. 
Lord — Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Peters— Prison  Discipline  Society — 
Letter  from  Mr.  £.  Lord. 

The  most  valuable  if  not  the  most  interesting  part  of 
religious  biography,  is  that  which  presents  before  us  the 
Christian  engaged  in  active  exertion  for  the  good  of  others. 
Here  we  have  a  display  of  that  disinterested  benevolence 
which  characterizes  seraphim  and  saints  before  the 
Throne.  Here  we  are  taught  by  living  example,  not  only 
that  we  may,  but  how  we  may  live  "  not  unto  ourselves." 
Even  the  brightest  exhibition  of  the  Christian  graces  in 
human  beings,  we  know  may  be  contemplated  with  indif- 
ference, by  the  heart  which  can  peruse  unmoved  the  his- 
tory of  Him,  in  whom  dwelt  "  all  the  fulness  of  the  God- 
head bodily ; "  but  to  the  man  of  pious  sensibility,  the 
exhibition  is  productive  of  invaluable  benefit.  It  awakens 
remissness,  chides  indifference,  deepens  penitence  and 
humility,  and  stimulates  faith,  and  love,  and  holy  zeal, 
27* 


818 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Such  is  the  effect  on  the  Christian,  as  he  contemplates  the 
disinterested,  self-denying,  and  abundant  labors  of  the 
apostles  ;  or  reads  the  story  of  the  humblest  disciple,  who 
"  according  to  that  he  hath,"  devotes  his  undivided  ener- 
gies to  the  same  blessed  work.  Every  period  of  the  world 
has  furnished  opportunities  for  the  development  of  pious 
benevolence  in  effort  for  the  well-being  of  others ;  but  no 
one,  if  we  except  the  days  of  the  apostles  and  their  imme- 
diate successors,  has  furnished  more  favorable  opportuni- 
ties than  the  present  age.  Never,  certainly,  have  so  many 
immortal  souls  famishing  in  sin,  called  loudly  for  the  bread 
of  life  ;  never  have  so  ample  means  existed  of  answering 
this  call  ;  never  so  numerous  facilities  successfully  to 
attack  the  arch-enemy,  and  to  retain  securely  and  perma- 
nently, every  strong  hold  wrested  from  his  dominion. 

From  Dr.  Porter's  settlement  in  the  ministry,  he  was 
deeply  interested  in  every  movement  which  had  a  bearing 
on  the  interests  of  Zion.  Much  of  the  time  while  he 
resided  in  Washington,  he  held  in  his  study  a  meeting  on 
Monday  evening  of  each  week,  attended  by  members  of 
his  church  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  their  own  growth 
in  piety,  and  their  usefulness  to  others.  In  ecclesiastical 
and  benevolent  convocations  which  he  deemed  it  proper  to 
attend,  he  was  found  laboring  modestly  yet  decidedly,  to 
correct  whatever  he  saw  amiss,  to  awaken  slumbering  zeal 
and  energy,  and  guide  them  to  the  most  efficient  and  salu- 
tary results.  In  1810,  he  was  elected  a  Trustee  of  the 
Connecticut  Missionary  Society.  After  his  removal  to 
Andover,  his  influence  in  promoting  benevolent  effort,  in 
consequence  of  his  uniformly  delicate  health,  was  for  the 
most  part  silent  and  unobserved.  Though  he  consented 
in  a  few  cases,  to  serve  as  an  executive  officer  of  religious 
and  philanthropic  organizations,  his  agency  was  more  fre- 
quently and  more  extensively  exerted  in  personal  inter- 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  319 


course  with  the  official  organs  of  benevolent  societies,  in 
the  social  circle,  and  in  the  closet. 

A  year  or  two  previous  to  his  resignation  of  his  pastoral 
charge,  the  movement  was  made  by  the  friends  of  Zion 
in  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  which  resulted  in  the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions. 
Though  he  bore  no  part  in  the  formation  of  this  society, 
it  engaged  at  the  outset  his  warmest  affections.  In  his 
family,  indeed,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  this  cause  had  for 
months  resided ;  there,  had  been  nurtured  the  apostolic 
disinterestedness  and  devotion,  which  led  him  to  decline 
without  compromise  the  labors  and  enjoyments  of  an 
eligible  parish  in  Connecticut,  in  obedience  to  what  he 
deemed  the  call  of  God  to  the  abodes  of  Paganism.* 


*  Gordon  Hall.  The  following  letter  was  overlooked  when  Dr. 
Porter  collected  the  other  letters  he  had  received  from  Mr.  Hall  for 
the  use  of  his  biographer.  It  will  interest  the  reader,  not  only  be- 
cause it  exhibits  its  author  at  a  most  important  juncture,  but  because 
it  contains  several  reminiscences  of  the  incipient  measures  respect- 
ing Foreign  Missions  in  this  country,  which  ought  to  be  preserved. 

"  .Indorcr,  July  7,  1810. 

"  Dear  Sir, 

"  Believing  from  various  circumstances  that  you  have  some 
wish  to  know  where  I  am,  and  what  I  expect  to  do,  I  take  the  liberty 
lo  write  you  ihis  letter.  After  the  people  in  Woodbury  had  given 
me  a  call  to  settle  with  them,  I  took  counsel  of  most  of  the  clergy 
in  that  vicinity,  all  of  whom  with  but  one  exception,  thought  it  my 
duty  to  settle  with  that  people.  Though  I  highly  venerated  the 
counsel  of  these  ministers,  though  all  things  attendmg  the  call  were 
pleasing,  yet  such  were  my  views  of  heathen  missions,  that  I  felt 
anwilling  to  relinquish  that  desirable  object;  nor  have  I  found, 
either  from  the  gospel, or  from  the  comparative  state  of  the  heathen 
world,  arguments  sufficient  to  convince  me  that  it  is  my  duty  thus 
to  do.  Feeling  the  subject  to  be  solemn  and  important,  and  having 
concentrated  all  the  counsel  which  I  could  obtain  in  that  place,  I 
resolved  to  take  a  journey  and  inquire  of  those,  whom  I  knew  to 
have  turned  their  attention  more  particularly  to  the  subject  of  mis- 
sions, and  who  consequently  would  be  more  informed  and  better 


330 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Soon  after  Dr.  Porter  removed  to  Andover,  a  Monday 
evening  meeting  was  established  in  his  study,  and  attended 
by  his  colleagues  and  a  few  other  friends  of  Zion,  for  the 
purpose  of  devising  ways  and  means  of  doing  good — a 

able  to  judge  on  the  subject.  Accordingly  I  set  out,  and  on  my  way 
attended  the  General  Association  at  Ellington.  While  there  my 
case  was  incidentally  mentioned,  and  1  hence  had  occasion  to  con- 
verse with  a  number  of  the  clergy,  most  of  whom  avoided  express- 
ing any  decided  opinion.  The  next  Monday  I  arrived  at  Andover. 
The  next  day  S.  J.  Mills  accompanied  me  to  Dr.  Griffin's.  While 
in  Connecticut  he  had  by  some  means  heard  of  my  case,  and  no 
sooner  was  my  name  mentioned,  than  he  entered  freely  and  feel- 
ingly into  the  subject,  saying: — 'The  world  is  waking  from  a  sleep 
of  ages.'  Aller  conversing  a  while  Dr.  Spring  came  in,  and  with 
deep  interest  began  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  heathen.  The 
forenoon  being  mostly  spent,  Dr.  Griffin  proposed  that  S.  J.  Mills 
and  myself  and  two  or  three  of  the  students  who  before  had  con- 
versed with  him  on  the  subject  of  missions,  should  meet  at  his  house 
at  2  o'clock,  P.  M.,  where  we  might  expect  to  find  all  the  professors 
and  Dr.  Spring;  who  would  enter  more  minutely  into  the  subject. 
Accordingly  we  were  there  at  the  time.  The  above  mentioned  gen- 
tlemen were  present,  and  as  Providence  would  have  it,  soon  clergy- 
men came  in  and  increased  the  number  to  thirteen.  Dr.  Griffin 
mentioned  the  business,  and  the  meeting  opened  with  prayer.  The 
occasion  was  solemn.  Two  questions  were  submitted  by  the  young 
men.  '  1.  Ought  a  heathen  mission  to  be  attempted  by  men  in  this 
country  .''  Without  putting  the  question  round,  this  was  declaied 
to  be  beyond  all  doubt.  '  2.  Which  is  the  most  promising  region, 
our  own  continent  or  Asia.''  On  this  question  they  were  not 
unanimous.  The  weight  of  counsel,  however,  was  in  favor  of  the 
latter.  In  the  third  place,  we  who  contemplated  the  subject  were 
severally  questioned  concerning  the  origin  and  progress  of  our  feel- 
ings and  views.  Knowing  my  situation,  they  fourthly  requested  roe 
to  state  my  relation  to  Woodbury.  This  I  did  as  fairly  as  1  could. 
Then  they  were  good  enough  to  offi?r  their  Christian  counsel.  Says 
Mr.  Stuart  in  accordance  with  almost  all  present, '  1  should  not  dare 
to  place  any  parish  in  Christendom,  in  competition  with  a  heathen 
mission.'  Said  Dr.  Griffin,  in  nearly  the  following  words  : — '  Until 
three  quarters  of  the  settled  ministers  leave  their  parishes  and  go  to 
the  heathen,  let  no  one  discourage  missionaries,  but  rather  bid  them 
God  speed.  This  missionary  spirit  which  appears  in  the  college, 
[theological  seminary,]  above  every  thing  else,  stamps  upon  it  the 
■eal  of  Heaven.' 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  321 


meeting  to  which  may  be  traced  several  streams  of  Chris- 
tian beneficence,  which  are  conveying  spiritual  health  and 
gladness  to  the  nations.  It  would  seem  that  by  recom- 
mendation of  this  meeting,  a  concert  of  prayer,  which 


"  All  present  seemed  highly  gratified  with  what  they  heard  and 
saw.  Dr.  Spring  pro{)osed  that  the  next  day  the  subject  should  be 
laid  before  the  General  Association.  Accordingly  it  was,  in  nearly 
the  same  form,  excepting  my  own  case  which  was"  omitted.  It  ex- 
cited a  deep  interest.  The  subject  after  some  questions  were  asked 
was  referred  to  a  committee,  who  the  next  day  reported  tliat  nine 
commissioners,  five  in  tliis  State,  and  four  in  Connecticut,  be 
chosen,  to  meet  as  soon  as  convenient  and  consult  on  the  subject. 
The  commissioners  are  Dr.  Spring,  Dr.  Lyman,  Rev.  Samuel  Wor- 
cester, William  Bzirtlet,  Esq.,  Newburyport,  Samuel  H.  Walley, 
Esq.,  Boston,  Mass.,  Dr.  Dwight,  Gov.  Treadwell,  Gen.  Hun- 
tington, New  London,  and  Rev.  Calvin  Chapin,  Conn. 

"  Things  in  this  quarter  favor  a  heathen  mission  beyond  the  most 
sanguine  expectations.  It  can  hardly  be  doubted  that  God  is  open- 
ing the  way  for  the  blessed  gospel  to  go  forth  from  these  American 
churches,  to  distant  and  heathen  lands  where  Jesus  is  not  known. 
My  prayer  is  that  if  agreeable  to  his  will,  God  would  employ  me  in 
this  great  and  good  work.  By  this  time  you  will  conclude  that  I 
have  made  up  my  mind  with  respect  to  a  settlement  in  the  ministry. 
I  have.  And  I  have  sent  the  people  in  Woodbury  a  negative  reply 
to  their  call.  I  have  done  this  with  the  full  approbation  of  my  con- 
science. I  cannot  but  wonder  that  I  so  long  hesitated.  It  must 
have  been  through  want  of  a  contemplative  and  feeling  sense 
of  the  preciousness  of  gospel  grace,  and  the  deplorable  state  of  my 
poor  heathen  brethren.  I  have  given  up  all  expectation  of  settling 
in  ray  own  country,  and  if  God  will  accept  of  me,  I  do  consider  my 
life  as  solemnly  devoted  to  the  heathen.  You  know,  sir,  from  what 
you  have  heard  me  say,  that  this  is  not  the  impulse  of  a  moment.  I 
humbly  trust  that  it  is  the  result  of  long,  habitual,  prayerful  reflec- 
tion. I  have  joined  the  theological  college,  with  a  view  of  making 
some  necessary  preparations,  and  here  obtaining  that  information 
on  the  subject  of  missions,  which  elsewhere  cannot  be  so  well  ob- 
tained. I  expect  to  see  you  in  the  course  of  ten  or  twelve  weeks, 
as  I  must  be  at  Woodbury  about  that  time.  I  am  anxious  to  know 
what  effect  my  refusal  will  have  upon  that  people.  I  could  wish  to 
be  on  the  ground,  that  I  might  meet  all  the  objections  which  may 
be  brought  against  the  propriety  of  my  proceedmgs.  I  expect  that 
my  character  will  labor  in  tliat  region  which  is  so  unfriendly  to  the 


322 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


afterwards  became  the  monthly  concert  as  it  now  exists, 
was  first  observed  in  this  country.*  The  facts  are  these  : 
In  1814,  when  a  convention  of  delegates  from  various 
parts  of  New  England,  was  contemplated  at  Hartford, 
one  of  Dr.  Porter's  correspondents.  Rev.  Zephaniah  Swift, 
thus  alludes  to  that  subject: — "The  prospects  of  our 
country  are  darkening.  The  people  have  become  so 
demoralized,  and  adhere  so  strongly  to  our  corrupt  ad- 
ministration, that  it  appears  God  must  send  judgments 
upon  us.  The  proposed  congress  for  New  England  affords 
the  only  gleam  of  light  that  appears  in  the  midst  of  dark- 
ness, and  this  is  an  unhappy  and  alarming  resort.  Ought 
there  not  to  be  a  concert  of  prayer  among  all  Christians 
in  New  England  for  that  congress.  If  help  comes  it  must 
be  from  the  Lord.  It  is  hopeful  that  before  our  Tread- 
wells  and  Strongs  go  into  their  graves,  we  may  have  some- 
thing done  for  our  relief."  On  the  margin  of  this  extract, 
Dr.  Porter  afterwards  wrote  : — "  Mr.  Swift's  hint,  from 
which  came  the  present  monthly  concert."  The  expedi- 
ency of  a  concert  was  discussed  in  the  "  Monday  evening 
meeting,"  and  the  result  was  a  determination  to  address 


subject  of  heathen  missions.  Jesus  is  king  in  Zion.  God  rules  in 
righteousness,  forever  blessed  be  his  name. 

"  If,  sir,  you  would  be  at  the  trouble  of  writing  to  me  in  the 
course  of  two  or  three  weeks,  and  mentioning  the  state  of  things  in 
Woodbury,  and  expressing  your  view  of  my  conduct,  I  should  con- 
sider it  as  a  very  great  kindness. 

"  I  am  your  unworthy  servant, 

"  Gordon  Hall." 

*  The  writer  is  aware  that  there  may  be  difference  of  opinion  in 
regard  to  the  origin  of  the  Monthly  Concert  in  this  country.  But 
as  the  subject  is  one  on  which  correct  information  is  desirable,  he 
cannot  persuade  himself  to  suppress  the  facts  developed  by  an  ex- 
amination of  Dr.  Porter's  correspondence.  They  are  certainly  of 
moment  as  historical  facts,  and  should  their  insertion  here  serve  to 
elicit  fuller  infoimation  on  the  subject,  it  will  not  be  in  vain. 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  333 


a  circular  to  ministers  and  others  in  various  places,  of 
which  the  following  is  a  copy. 

"  Andover,  JVov.  5,  1814. 

"  In  times  of  such  distress  as  now  pervades  our  country, 
it  becomes  Christians  to  unite  in  humble  and  fervent  sup- 
plication for  help  from  above. 

"  As  our  civil  rulers  have  proposed  a  convention  of 
delegates  from  the  New  England  States,  it  is  important 
that  the  prayers  of  pious  people  should  be  offered  up,  that 
this  convention  may  be  so  enlightened  and  guided,  as  to 
adopt  the  best  means  for  the  removal  of  our  public  calami- 
ties. It  is  proposed  by  Christians  in  different  places  to 
observe  Thursday  evening,  between  the  hours  of  7  and  8 
o'clock  of  each  week,  until  the  loth  of  December,  when 
the  convention  is  to  assemble,  as  a  season  of  special  prayer 
in  reference  to  this  object,  either  in  a  social  manner  or  in 
the  closet,  as  circumstances  may  render  it  expedient;  and 
that  Dec.  I5th  be  observed  as  a  day  of fasting  and  prayer 
in  a  social  or  private  manner. 

"  I  hope  this  proposal  will  meet  your  approbation,  and 
that  you  will  communicate  the  knowledge  of  it  as  speedily 
and  extensively  as  possible,  that  there  may  be  a  general 
concert  in  the  measure,  among  all  serious  people  in  New 
England." 

To  this  circular,  a  copy  of  which  Dr.  Porter  enclosed 
to  Mr.  Swift,  he  subjoined  : — "  The  above  is  a  copy  of  a 
circular  agreed  upon  in  our  Monday  evening  meeting,  in 
consequence  of  a  hint  contained  in  your  last  letter.  '  Be- 
hold how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth.'  Measures 
are  put  in  operation  to  spread  this  thing  over  New  England 
by  means  of  pens  and  tongues,  without  the  parade  of 
printed  notifications.    I  doubt  not  you  will  help  it  on." 


824 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Dr.  Porter  soon  after  received  a  letter  from  a  distin- 
guished clergyman  now  living,  dated  Litchfield,  (Conn.) 
Dec.  12,  1814,  from  which  the  following  is  taken. 

"  My  dear  Brother, 

"  Yours  giving  an  account  of  the  proposed  Concert 
was  duly  received  and  communicated  to  all  in  this  region, 
and  meets  the  approbation  not  only  of  the  pious,  but  of 
some  others  who  would  not  venture  into  a  conference 
meeting  to  pray  for  their  souls.  We  keep  Thursday  next 
as  a  day  of  prayer  and  fasting  according  to  each  person  or 
family's  discretion.  But  why,  brother,  should  such  a 
concert  begin  and  end  with  the  emergency  which  occa- 
sioned it?    Brother  S  of  New  York,  has  written  to 

me  with  some  earnestness  on  the  subject  of  a  general 
Concert  of  Prayer  in  all  the  churches  in  the  nation. 
Why  cannot  such  a  concert  be  established  once  a  month? 
I  believe  the  public  mind  is  prepared  for  it,  and  that  the 
providence  of  God  demands  special  union  of  good  people 
in  supplication,  not  only  for  our  wicked  country,  but  for 
the  revival  of  religion  and  the  spread  of  the  gospel.  Make 
this  one  of  your  subjects  of  deliberation  iu  your  meetings 
to  do  good,  and  let  me  know  what  is  the  result.  We  may 
I  should  imagine,  begin  and  extend  the  thing  considerably 
very  soon ;  and  next  spring  and  summer  by  means  of 
ecclesiastical  bodies,  extend  it  over  the  Union  and  render 
it  permanent.  There  certainly  ought  to  be  a  general 
prayer-meeting  in  every  church  once  a  month,  and  this  in 
all  the  churches  might  be  on  the  same  day." 

About  this  time,  it  would  seem,  a  general  concert  of 
prayer  had  become  somewhat  extensively  a  subject  of 
interest,  of  correspondence  and  conversation  among  many 
of  the  friends  of  Zion,  among  whom  the  late  Rev.  Samuel 
Worcester,  D.  D.,  and  Jeremiah  Evarts,  held  a  distin- 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  325 


guished  place.  Of  the  result  of  the  deliberations  on  this 
subject,  Dr.  Porter  wrote  to  Mr.  Swift,  Jan.  17,  1815,  as 
follows : — "The  concert  which  began  by  a  hint  from  you, 
is  in  a  train  to  be  made  general  and  permanent.  Only  it 
is  contemplated  to  carry  it  on  to  the  first  Monday  evening 
of  each  month,  which  is  now  a  season  of  prayer  extensively 
among  Christians  in  Europe,  Africa,  and  Asia.  Shall  we 
join  this  concert  of  Christendom  and  help  on  the  dawn  of 
the  millennium  ?"  Dr.  Porter  received  communications 
of  a  few  weeks  later  date,  from  the  authors  of  the  letters 
above  quoted,  slating  that  the  proposed  Monthly  Concert 
was  established  in  their  churches,  and  in  others  in  the 
vicinity. 

The  compiler  desirous  of  obtaining,  if  possible,  authentic 
information  respecting  the  origin  of  the  Monthly  Concert 
in  this  country,  requested  the  Rev.  Mr.  Swift  to  communi- 
cate any  facts  in  his  possession  relative  to  the  subject;  and 
in  reply  received  the  following  : — 

"  As  to  the  origin  of  the  Monthly  Concert  of  Prayer,  I 
recollect  that  at  one  time  when  brother  Porter  and  wife 
were  here  on  a  visit,  Mrs.  P.  remarked  that  I  was  the 
'first  means  or  mover  in  establishing  the  Monthly  Concert.' 
It  struck  me  with  surprise,  for  I  did  not  remember  that  I 
could  have  had  any  particular  agency  in  it.  I  think  I 
replied  to  them,  that  I  did  not  know  how  I  could  have  been 
the  first  mover  of  that  important  meeting.  I  cannot  now 
remember  the  explanation  they  gave,  but  have  considered 
that  so  far  as  I  had  any  instrumentality,  it  must  have  been 
in  the  following  manner.  In  A.  D.  1814,  in  consequence 
of  our  war  with  Great  Britain,  the  prospects  of  our  nation 
were  exceedingly  dark  and  alarming,  not  only  to  Christians 
but  to  the  soundest  and  most  discerning  politicians  in  our 
country  and  particularly  in  New  England.  The  war 
commenced  in  1812,  and  was  considered  by  many  not 
28 


326 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


only  unnecessary  but  very  needless  and  wicked.  The 
commerce  of  our  country  was  destroyed  by  an  embargo,  a 
vast  national  debt  was  fast  accumulating  and  the  constitu- 
tion of  our  nation,  the  charter  of  our  liberties,  was  by  many 
considered  to  be  broken.  At  this  time  a  convention  of 
delegates  from  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island, 
two  counties  in  New  Hampshire,  and  one  in  Vermont, 
were  to  assemble  at  Hartford,  Dec.  15,1814,  to  deliberate 
on  the  interests  of  the  country  and  adopt  measures  if 
possible  to  rescue  it  from  impending  destruction.  After 
notice  was  given  of  the  appointed  meeting  of  the  conven- 
tion, I  wrote  to  brother  Porter  expressing  my  great  concern 
for  the  safety  of  our  country ;  that  the  salvation  of  it 
appeared  to  be  connected  with  the  meeting  of  the  conven- 
tion, and  that  if  saved  it  would  probably  be  in  answer  to 
the  prayers  of  God's  children.  So  far  as  I  can  remember, 
I  suggested  the  importance  of  having  a  stated  concert  of 
prayer  agreed  upon  and  notified  in  reference  to  the  state  of 
the  country  and  the  meeting  of  the  convention.  I  should 
think  I  stated  that  Andover,  where  was  the  only  theolo- 
gical institution  in  New  England,  if  not  in  our  country, 
was  the  most  suitable  place  for  originating  such  a  concert 
of  prayer  and  circulating  the  notice  of  it  through  the 
nation.  From  this  suggestion  of  establishing  a  concert  of 
prayer  for  the  salvation  of  our  nation,  I  have  supposed 
that  brother  Porter,  in  his  more  extensive  wisdom  and 
philanthropy  greatly  improved  upon  it  and  turned  it  into  a 
concert  of  prayer  not  for  the  salvation  of  a  nation,  but  for 
the  spiritual  salvation  of  the  whole  world.  My  impression 
is  that  the  Monthly  Concert  of  Prayer  for  the  spread  of  the 
gospel  and  the  conversion  of  the  world  commenced,  in  this 
country,  at  Andover,  in  the  fall  of  1814,  by  the  agency  of 
brother  Porter,  and  that  he  was  active  and  influential  in 
spreading  it  over  the  country.    Thus  I  consider  the  origin 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


327 


of  it  can  with  far  more  propriety  be  ascribed  to  him  than 
to  myself" 

In  the  preface  to  the  "  Proceedings  of  the  first  ten  years 
of  the  American  Tract  Society,"  the  history  of  its  rise  is 
thus  related : — "  The  origin  of  the  American  Tract  Society 
may  be  traced  to  a  little  meeting  of  half  a  dozen  individ- 
uals, assembled  to  enjoy  the  advantages  of  Christian  inter- 
course, and  to  consult  upon  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom.  A  circumstance  in  itself  unimportant  had 
suggested  to  one  of  them  the  thought,  that  a  few  choice 
tracts,  printed  in  large  editions,  might  be  afforded  to  be- 
nevolent individuals  in  the  neighborhood,  at  much  less 
expense,  than  the  little  books  which  they  were  frequently 
purchasing  for  gratuitous  distribution.  The  idea  was 
suggested  to  his  brethren,  and  excited  so  much  interest  as 
to  be  made  the  subject  of  conversation  and  serious  reflec- 
tion, which  soon  led  to  a  proposition  for  forming  a  small 
Tract  Society  to  put  the  design  in  execution.  As  the 
subject  was  contemplated,  it  grew  in  importance,  and 
though  perhaps  no  one  at  the  time  anticipated  that  the 
society  they  were  about  to  form,  would  extend  through  the 
United  States,  yet  it  was  seen  that  the  subject  demanded 
more  mature  consideration,  and  fervent  prayer  to  the 
Father  of  mercies  for  his  guidance  and  blessing." 

The  "  little  meeting"  alluded  to  in  this  extract  was  the 
"Monday  evening  meeting;"  the  individual.  Dr.  Porter; 
and  the  "  circumstance "  the  following: — He  called  one 
morning  at  a  book-store  in  Andover,  to  purchase  a  few 
small  books  for  distribution.  He  took  up  one  and  inquired 
the  price,  and  was  answered  eight  cents."  The  thought 
occurred  to  him  that  books  of  that  size  might  be  printed 
for  three  cents,  if  benevolent  individuals  would  unite  to 
publish  them  in  a  cheap  form  and  in  large  quantities. 
This  thought,  which  awakened  deep  interest  in  his  own 


328 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


bosom,  he  communicated  to  his  brethren,  in  the  manner 
and  with  the  results  above  stated.  Several  members  of 
the  meeting  at  once  offered  liberal  pecuniary  contributions, 
and  engaged  in  prosecuting  the  plan  suggested  with  a 
degree  of  Christian  enterprise  which  speedily  sought  a  more 
enlarged  field  of  operations.* 

The  constitution  adopted  by  this  incipient  society,  was 
substantially  the  same  which  the  following  spring,  (May, 
1814,)  was  adopted  at  the  formation  of  the  New  England 
Tract  Society — an  institution  which  in  1823  assumed  the 
more  comprehensive  appellation  of  American  Tract 
Society,  and  which  in  1825  consented  to  assume  the 
relation  of  an  Auxiliary  to  a  society  of  the  same  name, 
which  was  organized  at  New- York  on  a  still  more  extended 
plan  ;  and  which  fixed  its  seat  of  operations  in  that  city, 
for  the  sake  of  enjoying  greater  facilities  in  effecting  its 
benevolent  designs. 

There  was  no  subject  perhaps,  in  which  those  united  in 
the  "Monday  evening  meeting,"  felt  a  more  affecting 
interest,  than  the  disregard  of  the  holy  Sabbath  which 
they  were  compelled  to  witness  to  some  extent,  and  which 

*  It  is  true  that  associations  for  similar  purposes  had  existed  for 
many  years  in  Great  Britain,  and  for  a  considerable  period,  in  other 
parts  of  Europe  and  in  this  country.  The  society  in  England  for 
Promoting  Christian  Knowledge  by  means  of  religious  books  and 
tracts,  was  incorporated  by  the  British  Parliament  as  early  as  1647. 
Previous  to  1814,  other  Tract  Societies  to  a  limited  extent,  were 
formed  by  different  denominations  of  Christians  in  Great  Britain. 
Efforts  had  also  been  made,  chiefly  through  the  agency  of  Rev.  Drs. 
Paterson,  and  Henderson,^for  the  distribution  of  religious  tracts  in 
the  northern  countries  of  Europe.  The  first  association  in  the 
United  States  for  disseminating  religious  tracts  and  books,  was  the 
Massachusetts  Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,  formed 
in  1803.  Between  this  period  and  the  institution  of  the  American 
Tract  Society,  several  associations  on  a  limited  scale  were  formed  for 
kindred  purposes  in  different  places  in  New  England  and  in  New 
Yoik.— Proceedings  of  first  ten  years  of  American  Tract  Society. 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  329 


tliey  knew  was  fearfully  prevalent  through  our  country. 
The  temptations  to  this  sin,  which  to  irreligious  men  are 
always  sufficiently  numerous  and  powerful,  were  in  both 
these  respects  greatly  increased  by  the  war  between  this 
country  and  Great  Britain,  which  commenced  in  1812; 
and  their  influence  was  scarcely  diminished  even  after  the 
termination  of  that  contest.  This  circle  of  Christian 
brethren  earnestly  inquired,  cannot  something  be  done,  to 
rescue  the  Sabbath  from  reproach,  and  to  perpetuate  its 
invaluable  influence  to  our  institutions  and  to  religion? 

The  number  and  character  of  Dr.  Porter's  early  sermons 
on  the  Sabbath,  clearly  indicate  that  from  the  commence- 
ment of  his  ministry,  he  viewed  this  subject  with  the 
liveliest  interest,  and  with  much  frequency  and  power 
urged  it  on  his  people.  He  was  among  the  first,  if  not  the 
first,  publicly  to  remonstrate  against  the  law  which  requires 
the  transmission  and  opening  of  the  mail  on  the  S."»bbath, 
and  to  petition  for  its  repeal.  This  enactment  was  passed 
in  ISIO.  In  1811,  the  subjoined  paper  in  his  hand 
writing,  to  which  in  connection  with  his  own  name,  is 
affixed  that  of  a  distinguished  clergyman  still  living,  was 
addressed  to  His  Excellency  Gov.  Treadwell,  of  Connecti' 
cut.  On  the  copy  of  this  paper  which  Dr.  Porter  retain- 
ed, he  inscribed  this  memorandum : — "  Writte7i  in  1811. — 
Thejirst  movement  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States. " 

"Sir, 

"  You  will  excuse  the  freedom  with  which  we  address 
you  on  a  subject,  which  we  know  lies  near  your  heart. 
We  have  seen  with  grief  and  solicitude,  that  disregard  of 
the  Lord's  day,  which  has  for  some  years  been  increasing 
in  our  country,  with  a  steady  progress.  We  have  seen  the 
profanation  of  this  sacred  day,  not  only  by  the  post-offices 
and  mails,  but  by  the  first  officers  of  our  government,  and 
by  our  National  Legislature.  We  tremble  for  our  country, 
28* 


330 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


that  an  institution  of  Heaven  as  old  as  creation,  should  be 
thus  trampled  upon  by  those  who  ought  to  be  guardians  of 
the  public  welfare,  and  examples  of  public  morals.  The 
Christian  Sabbath  alone  is  unquestionably  a  greater 
bulwark  against  vice,  and  a  better  shield  to  the  vital  inter- 
ests of  community,  than  the  best  system  of  penal  statutes 
that  can  be  framed.  While  the  obligations  of  the  Sabbath 
are  recognized  in  the  laws  of  this  State  and  many  other  of 
the  United  States,  we  fear  that  the  gradual  and  systematic 
encroachments  which  are  made  upon  it,  even  by  men  in 
high  station,  will  become  habitual  and  incurable.  We 
lament  that  while  adequate  provision  is  made  against  pe«y 
crimes,  affecting  individual  interest,  practices  which  tend 
to  the  prostration  of  all  moral  principles,  should  find 
a  refuge  in  that  very  depravity  from  which  they  spring. 
The  man  who  steals  a  shilling  is  consigned  to  infamy, 
while  he  who  breaks  the  Sabbath  suffers  no  abatement  of 
reputation  as  a  gentleman  or  a  statesman.  To  such 
causes  we  attribute  the  miseries  which  have  overtaken  the 
nations  of  continental  Europe.  To  similar  causes  we 
attribute  the  calamities  which  arc  felt  and  feared  in  this 
nation.  If  the  Sabbath  must  fall, '  it  will  fall  like  a  strong 
man;  it  will  pull  down  the  pillars  of  government,  and 
bury  our  country  in  the  ruins.'  With  these  impressions, 
the  minister's  meeting  in  this  vicinity  have  appointed  us  a 
committee,  to  enter  upon  .some  preparatory  steps,  relative 
to  this  subject. 

"  We  think  that  good  men  have  been  held  in  awe  too 
long  by  the  jealousies  and  recriminations  of  political 
parties.  It  is  time  that  they  should  wake  up,  and  look  at 
the  flood  of  licentiousness  which  is  sweeping  away  the 
institutions  of  Christianity,  and  the  landmarks  of  oui 
fathers.  It  is  high  time  that  they  who  have  wept  in  secret 
places  for  these  growing  impieties,  should  speak  out,  with 
the  courage  of  men  and  Christians;  and  should  unite  in  a 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


331 


firm  and  honest  effort  to  strengthen  the  things  that  remain, 
and  that  are  ready  to  die. 

"  The  object  of  this  letter,  Sir,  is  to  ask  the  aid  of  your 
wisdom  and  your  pen  in  this  business.  We  want  a  me- 
morial to  Congress  that  shall  be  the  result  of  sound  delib- 
eration, and  shall  combine  the  momentous  considerations 
that  belong  to  the  subject,  couched  in  the  language  of 
deep  conviction  and  feeling.  We  beg  that  you  will  favor 
us  with  the  draught  of  such  an  instrument.  Our  plan  is 
to  carry  this  subject  from  the  South  Consociation  of  Litch- 
field county  to  General  Association  :  and  should  it  meet 
the  countenance  of  that  body,  to  the  correspondent  eccle- 
siastical bodies  of  New  England  and  the  Presbyterian 
church.  We  doubt  not  that  at  least  the  whole  clergy  of 
the  country,  will  be  united  in  this  thing.  On  every  branch 
of  the  subject,  especially  the  mails,  we  wish  to  weigh  our 
words  well.  Should  such  a  paper  be  treated  with  con- 
tempt by  the  government,  still  it  can  hardly  fail  to  produce 
a  salutary  influence  on  community.  At  any  rate,  we  shall 
know  where  we  are. 

"  With  sentiments  of  great  respect, 

"  We  are.  Sir,  cordially  yours, 

*'  Lyman  Beecher." 

Whether  all  the  memorials  to  Congress  on  this  subject, 
of  which  a  considerable  number  were  presented  in  1811, 
originated  from  this  "  movement,"  is  unknown  to  the 
writer.  The  same  conviction  of  duty  which  induced  Dr. 
Porter  to  engage  in  this  work  at  this  time,  induced  him 
with  his  characteristic  decision  and  energy,  to  bear  an 
active  part  in  the  measures  of  the  multitude  of  all  ranks 
in  society,  who  in  1828-9,  and  succeeding  years,  uttered 
with  united  voice  their  remonstrance  against  tlie  oppres- 
sive enactment,  wliich  in  fact  disfranchises  a  class  of  our 


332 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


citizens,  by  compelling  them  to  decline  official  trust  under 
the  post-office  department,  or  to  violate  the  law  of  God 
in  discharging  their  duties.  While  he  lent  his  name  to 
swell  the  list  of  petitioners,  he  fearlessly  uttered  his  senti- 
ments in  conversation,  in  the  pulpit,  and  by  the  press.* 
His  heart  was  especially  pained  by  the  disregard,  and  fre- 
quent open  violation  of  the  Sabbath  by  men,  who,  in  high 
political  stations,  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  commu- 
nity. The  disastrous  influence  which  such  examples  were 
known  to  have  exerted,  and  which,  if  unreproved,  they 
would  continue  to  exert,  drew  from  his  pen  the  following 
strictures.  Tlie  first  paper  was  written  during  the  tour 
of  President  Monroe  through  the  Middle  and  Northern 
States,  in  the  summer  of  1817;  but  was  not  published 
until  subsequent  violations  of  the  Sabbath  during  the  visit 
of  Lafayette  to  this  country,  furnished  a  new  call  for  its 
publication.  Tlie  circumstances  attending  the  prepara- 
tion and  publication  of  the  latter  are  sufficiently  explained 
by  itself  Both  these  papers,  as  illustrating  their  author's 
character,  ought  in  this  connection,  to  be  presented  to 
the  reader. 

"President's  Tour. 
"  The  writer  of  this  article  professes  to  be  a  sober  man, 
influenced  by  principles  as  remote  from  the  narrowness  of 
religious  bigotry,  as  from  the  pertinacity  of  political  pre- 
judice. That  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  United  States 
should  propose  to  make  himself  personally  acquainted 
with  different  parts  of  the  extensive  country  over  which  he 
is  called  to  preside,  was  so  manifestly  proper,  that  from 
the  moment  the  design  was  known  it  met  with  universal 
approbation.  That  he  has  thus  far  on  his  excursion, 
received  the  most  respectful  civilities  from  all  classes  of 

"See  note  F.  to  the  last  Sermons  he  published,  entitled,  "The 
Duty  of  Praying  for  Rulers." 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


333 


our  citizens,  is  doubtless  a  source  of  real  satisfaction  to 
every  patriotic  and  philanthropic  heart. 

"  To  men  of  sound  reflection  who  have  witnessed  the 
baleful  ravages  of  party  spirit,  while,  for  the  'last  twenty 
years,  it  has  spread  like  a  conflagration  over  the  land, 
there  is  a  charm  even  in  the  faintest  hope  that  they  may 
see  a  termination  to  the  prevalence  of  these  hateful  pas- 
sions. The  spirit  of  conciliation,  therefore,  which  has 
been  recently  manifested,  is  hailed  by  thousands  as  denot- 
ing the  commencement  of  a  more  auspicious  day.  In  a 
conjuncture  of  so  much  interest  and  delicacy,  every  good 
man  must  wish  to  abstain  from  uttering  sentiments  that 
may  mar  the  joy  of  such  anticipations,  or,  by  any  possi- 
bility awaken  the  frenzy  of  past  times.  Still  there  are 
considerations  appertaining  to  this  subject,  which  must 
have  attracted  public  observation,  and  which  in  this  free 
country,  one  might  hope,  may  be  made  the  topic  of 
candid  animadversion,  without  danger  of  exciting  in  any 
bosom,  the  rancor  of  party  animosity. 
•;  "  To  speak  plainly  then,  thousands  of  our  best  citizens, 
who  were  anticipating  the  most  salutary  results  from  the 
President's  journey,  were  disappointed,  and  grieved,  and 
surprised,  that  the  chief  magistrate  of  a  Christian  people 
should  have  commenced  this  journey  on  the  Christian 
Sabbath.  A  Baltimore  paper  of  Monday,  June  2d,  con- 
tained the  following  notice  :  — '  The  President  of  the 
United  States  arrived  in  town  yesterday  afternoon  at  2 
o'clock,  escorted  by  a  troop  of  horse,  the  first  Baltimore 
Huzzars,  commanded  by  Capt.  Sterret,  accompanied  by 
about  two  hundred  citizens  on  horseback.  After  dining, 
he  attended  divine  service  at  the  Rev.  Dr.  Inglis's  Pres- 
byterian church.' 

"  I  should  be  predisposed  to  admit  almost  any  thing  in 
the  form  of  evidence  that  there  was  some  special  and  ade- 
quate reason  for  this  occurrence.    But  as  no  such  reason 


334 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


has  been  suggested,*  and  as  this  was  the  day  on  which 
the  President  left  his  family,  apparently  without  any  extra- 
ordinary stress  of  circumstances,  the  conclusion  seems 
almost  unavoidable  that  no  such  reason  did  exist.  At  any 
rate  this  will  be  the  conclusion  of  the  public. 

"  Now  every  plain  man,  who  thinks  for  himself,  will 
say,  if  it  was  proper  for  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  United 
States,  without  special  reasons,  to  devote  one  half  of  the 
Sabbath  to  travelling,  and  receiving  military  honors,  it 
must  have  been  equally  proper  to  devote  the  whole  day  to 
the  same  objects :  and  if  proper  for  him,  beyond  a  doubt, 
it  must  be  equally  proper  for  every  subordinate  magistrate 
and  every  citizen  of  the  country  to  spend  this  sacred  day 
in  amusement,  or  in  secular  pursuits.  In  other  words,  it 
iimst  be  proper  that  the  institution  of  public,  divine  wor- 
ship should  utterly  cease  in  the  land,  or  be  made  subordi- 
nate to  the  convenience  or  caprice  of  its  inhabitants.  In 
one  or  two  other  instances,  the  statements  of  the  news- 
papers respecting  the  President's  tour  seem  to  imply  in 
liim  a  want  of  strict  regard  to  the  sanctity  of  the  Sabbath. 
These  statements  however,  are  so  general,  and  so  liable 
to  have  been  more  or  less  founded  in  mistake,  that  they 
cannot  deserve  a  separate  mention  in  these  remarks. 

"If  the  obligations  of  the  Sabbath  were  not  enforced 
by  Divine  authority,  it  must  be  presumed  that  the  good 
sense  and  urbanity  of  Mr.  Munroe,  would  preserve  him 
from  any  designed  outrage  on  the  feelings  of  those  who 
view  the  Sabbath  as  a  sacred  day.  But  he  has  a  right  to 
know  that  the  conscientious  Christians  of  the  land,  gen- 
erally regard  the  obligations  of  the  Sabbath  as  resulting 
not  from  human  opinion  or  usage,  but  from  divine  author- 
ity ;  and  that  in  New  England,  (for  of  this  the  writer  can 
speak  with  the  confidence  of  personal  knowledge,)  the 

*  That  the  commencement  of  this  journey  had  been  unexpectedly 
delayed,  is  clearly  not  a  reason  worthy  to  be  named  in  this  case. 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  335 


best  citizens  look  with  deep  solicitude  at  the  consequences 
which  may  result  from  incorrect  example,  on  a  subject  so 
momentous,  and  from  an  individual  of  so  commanding  in- 
fluence as  the  President  of  the  United  States.  He  has  a 
right  to  know  that  by  the  great  body  of  respectable  men, 
in  this  community,  our  Christian  institutions  are  considered 
as  the  most  precious  inheritance  derived  from  our  ances- 
tors ;  and  that  whatever  of  order,  of  sobriety,  of  industry, 
and  of  social  happiness  has  attracted  his  approbation  in 
passing  through  our  towns  and  villages,  it  is  to  be  ascribed 
pre-eminently  to  the  influence  of  these  institutions. 

"  So  deeply  is  this  sentiment  inwrought  into  the  habits 
and  hearts  of  thousands,  and  those  too  the  most  intelli- 
gent and  worthy  inhabitants  of  New  England,  that  it  can 
never  be  eff'aced.    We  owe  it  to  the  memory  of  our 
fathers,  we  owe  it  to  the  spirit  of  high  independence, 
which  we  profess  to  have  inherited  as  their  descendants, 
we  owe  it  to  our  principles  as  freemen  and  citizens  of  a 
I     Christian  community,  to  cherish  this  sentiment,  and  to 
!    declare  it,  with  mildness  and  decency  indeed,  but  with 
I    unhesitating  firmness. 

i  "  Under  impressions  like  these,  one  of  the  most  respect- 
j    able  men  in  Massachusetts,  when  requested  to  act  on  a 

committee  of  arrangements  to  receive  the  President,  gave 
I    this  reluctant  but  decisive  reply : — '  I  must  be  excused 

from  publicly  honoring  a  man,  who  publicly  dishonors  his 

Maker. ' 

"Had  our  editors  seen  fit  to  be  less  minute  in  their 
details,  the  writer  of  these  remarks  had  been  spared  the 
pain  which  the  task  has  inflicted  on  his  own  bosom.  But 
the  facts  alluded  to  have  been  published,  so  as  to  have 
their  influence  on  every  family  in  the  land.  They  must 
be  known  in  Europe.  They  must  be  known  to  posterity. 
It  ought  to  be  known,  then,  in  justice  to  the  character  of 
this  great  and  growing  country,  that  it  contains  multitudes. 


336 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


who,  in  this  one  respect,  can  neither  imitate  nor  approve 
the  example  of  their  President.  Mr.  Munroe  commences 
his  official  duties  under  circumstances,  which  perhaps, 
give  him  the  opportunity  of  becoming  a  greater  benefactor 
to  his  country,  than  any  man  has  been,  with  the  single 
exception  of  Washington.  But  one  thing  is  certain  ;  if 
he  is  destined  to  attain  this  exalted  character,  he  will  not 
be  indifferent  to  the  obligations  of  religion ;  nor  regard 
with  fastidiousness,  should  his  eye  chance  to  meet  these 
remarks,  the  honest  suggestions  of  one  who  devoutly 
wishes  that  every  personal  and  public  blessing  may  attend 
him  in  his  administration.  " 

"  Lafayette's  Tour. 
"  Messrs.  Editors, — As  the  paper  which  I  sent  you  on 
the  tour  of  President  Monroe,  has  appeared  in  the  Tele- 
graph, I  submit  to  your  disposal  some  remarks  on  the  vio- 
lations of  the  Christian  Sabbath,  as  connected  with  the 
tour  of  Gen.  Lafayette.  On  this  subject  I  am  especially 
anxious  not  to  be  misunderstood,  nor  to  seem  for  a  moment 
to  have  forgotten  what  is  due  to  those  delicate  sensibili- 
ties, that  are  associated  with  this  honored  name,  in  every 
bosom  not  a  stranger  to  generous  emotions.  In  the  history 
of  this  age,  it  will  be  an  instructive  and  splendid  chapter 
that  shall  record  the  visit  of  this  illustrious  benefactor  to 
our  country,  after  an  absence  of  almost  half  a  century  ; 
the  echo  of  spontaneous  joy  from  every  corner  of  the  land, 
on  his  reaching  our  shores ;  and  the  gladness  with  which 
grateful  thousands  pressed  upon  his  steps  wherever  he 
went,  to  greet  him  with  their  welcome.  Any  man,  ambi- 
tious of  fame,  might  well  be  satisfied  with  the  honors  paid 
to  Lafayette.  The  thing  speaks  for  itself  It  is  not  the 
homage  of  constraint ;  not  the  momentary  acclamation 
that  prosperous  guilt  and  worthlessness  may  sometimes 
extort  from  the  multitude.    It  is  a  burst  of  public  scnti- 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  337 


ment ;  a  sober,  manly  joy,  flowing  from  the  hearts  of  free- 
men ;  an  example,  in  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case, 
without  a  parallel  in  the  annals  of  time.  It  speaks  a  lan- 
guage which  will  not  fail  to  be  understood  in  Europe,  and 
to  be  remembered  by  the  coming  generations  of  the  world. 

. "  But  there  are  not  a  few  that  have  felt  in  its  full 
measure  this  rapture  of  national  feeling,  who  nevertheless 
regret,  most  deeply  regret,  that  these  deserved  honors  to 
Lafayette,  should  have  been  made  the  occasion  of  violating 
one  of  the  most  sacred  institutions  of  religion.  • 
^"The  New  England  Palladium  of  August  31,  contains 
an  account,  taken  from  the  newspapers  of  New  London 
and  Norwich,  of  the  General's  hasty  passage  through  that 
part  of  Connecticut,  on  his  way  to  Boston.  The  details 
of  this  account  I  pass  over,  extracting  only  a  few  sen- 
tences. 

"  '  On  Sunday  morning  the  General  left  Saybrook,  and  having 
taken  breakfast  under  the  hospitable  roof  of  Richard  M'Curdy,  Esq. 
in  Lyme,  he  proceeded  on  his  way  to  New  London ;  and  being  met 
by  tlie  committee  and  a  few  citizens  in  Waterford,  he  was  escorted 
to  tlie  mansion  of  Judge  Perkins,  where,  with  the  spontaneous 
acclamations  of  a  great  body  of  citizens,  and  with  heartfelt  gratula- 
tions,  he  was  received  under  a  national  salute  of  24  guns,  from  Fort 
Trumbull.' 

"  Then  follows  an  account  of  invitations  to  the  General, 
from  Norwich  and  Stonington,  to  visit  those  towns ;  intro- 
duction to  citizens  ;  attendance  on  public  worship,  at  the 
church  of  Mr.  McEwen  and  of  Mr.  Judd,  both,  it  would 
seem  from  the  statement,  during  the  morning  service ; 
calls  on  several  families;  salutations  of  ladies  and  gentle- 
men received  at  his  quarters  ;  and,  after  dinner,  a  public 
escort  attended  him  to  Norwich.  His  arrival  at  the  latter 
place  in  the  afternoon,  was  announced,  as  at  New  Lon- 
don, by  a  salute  of  cannon,  and  so  was  his  departure  in 
the  evening,  and  also  by  ringing  of  bells.  The  interme- 
diate time  was  filled  up  with  the  same  demonstrations  of 
29 


33S 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


eager  curiosity,  which  have  been  manifested  by  the  im- 
mense crowds  assembled  in  other  places,  wherever  the 
General  was  expected  to  pass. 

"  On  reading  the  foregoing  statement,  my  heart  sunk 
within  me,  and  I  exclaimed — Is  it  possible  that  this  is 
Connecticut,  where  for  two  centuries  the  Sabbath  has  been 
regarded  as  a  sacred  day !  I  read  the  statement  again, 
and  in  spite  of  my  incredulity,  it  was  so; — these  things 
did  really  occur  on  the  Sabbath.  But  this  is  not  all.  The 
same  number  of  the  Palladium  mentioned  above,  contains 
the  following  statement  respecting  the  Sabbath  spent  by 
the  General  in  Boston.  It  is  thought  unnecessary  to 
refer  to  more  recent  occurrences  of  the  same  sort. 

"'On  Sunday  he  attended  divine  worship  at  the  meeting  house  in 
Brattle-street,  in  the  forenoon;  and  in  the  afternoon  visited  Presi- 
dent Adams,  at  Quincy,  accompanied  by  His  Excellency,  and  the 
Mayor.  They  were  greeted  by  the  citizens  of  Dorchester,  Quincy, 
Milton,  &c.,  on  g'oing  and  returning. ' 

"  The  splendid  military  review,  it  will  also  be  remem- 
bered, which  was  holden  on  Monday,  was  appointed  at  so 
early  an  hour,  by  order  of  his  Excellency,  that  not  a  few 
who  were  summoned  for  the  occasion,  were  absolutely 
compelled  either  to  disobey  the  order,  or  to  consume  the 
Sabbath  in  preparatory  arrangements  ; — a  fact,  I  suspect, 
which,  in  time  of  peace,  is  without  a  parallel  in  this 
Christian  commonwealth. 

"  I  am  aware  of  all  that  can  be  said  as  to  these  transac- 
tions, respecting  the  urgency  of  circumstances,  amounting 
to  necessity;  and  I  would  reply  to  it  all,  in  the  single 
remark,  that  the  authority  of  the  Supreme  Lawgiver 
cannot  be  superseded  by  a  necessity  of  our  own  creating — 
a  necessity  so  voluntary,  and  so  unnecessary,  that  to  admit 
the  principle  in  morals,  on  which  its  claims  must  be  pre- 
dicated in  the  present  case,  would  sweep  away  not  the 
Sabbath  only,  but  the  whole  decalogue. 


BENEVOI.ENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


339 


"  Is  no  apology  then  to  be  admitted,  in  regard  to  trans- 
actions in  which  many  respectable  individuals  have  been 
concerned  ?  As  to  the  beloved  and  venerated  Lafayette, 
several  things  certainly  should  be  considered.  First,  his 
habits  have  been  formed  in  a  Catholic  country,  where  no 
sanctity  is  attached  to  the  Sabbath,  e.xcept  during  the  time 
of  public  worship.  Secondly,  that  his  former  acquaintance 
with  our  religious  institutions  was  short,  and  that,  only  as 
a  military  officer,  in  a  time  of  war,  and  when  the  ordinary 
restraints  of  the  Sabbath  were  often  set  aside  by  a  real 
necessity.  Thirdly,  that,  on  his  present  visit  to  the  United 
States,  it  was  almost  a  matter  of  course,  that  he  should 
give  himself  up  by  courtesy  to  the  direction  of  friends, 
who  tendered  him  every  office  of  respect;  and  who,  he 
had  every  reason  to  believe,  were  well  acquainted  with  the 
institutions  and  usages  of  their  own  country. 

"  As  to  the  gentlemen  who  are  in  this  sense  accounta- 
ble for  the  General's  arrangements,  some  apology  too  is  to 
be  admitted,  as  well  as  for  the  crowds  of  people  who  forgot 
the  Sabbath,  amid  the  enthusiasm  of  affection  and  curi- 
osity to  see  this  distinguished  man.  It  was  certainly 
desirable  that  his  eastern  tour  should  be  finished  with  so 
much  despatch  as  not  to  frustrate  other  engagements 
which  he  wished  to  fulfil.  But  when  the  excitement  of 
the  moment  shall  have  passed  away,  who,  that  reflects  at 
all,  will  say  that  such  a  consideration  is  important  enough 
to  be  placed  in  competition  with  the  moral  and  religious 
habits  of  a  country?  To  repel  an  invasion,  or  to  raise  a 
siege,  may  require  a  military  chief  to  travel  night  and  day, 
to  weather  the  storm,  and  to  forego  regular  sleep  and  food. 
In  the  present  case,  however,  there  really  seems  to  have 
been  no  adequate  reason  for  such  extremities.  Indeed, 
from  the  effect  which  a  few  weeks  have  had  in  cool- 
ing my  own  ardor,  I  suspect  that  hereafter  I  may  come  to 


340 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


question  even  the  sobriety  and  dignity  of  these  transac- 
tions, aside  from  higher  considerations. 

"  But  to  satisfy  you,  Messrs.  Editors,  that  my  disquietude 
on  this  subject  arises  not  from  a  querulous  temper,  but 
from  what  I  deem  important  public  principles,  indulge  me 
in  some  additional  remarks. 

{"In  our  republic,  with  advantages  which  are  unexam- 
pled in  the  history  of  nations,  a  great  experiment  is  to  be 
tried,  in  the  face  of  the  world,  whether  it  is  practicable  or 
not,  to  maintain  free  institutions  over  a  vast  continent,  by 
the  force  of  public  opinion.  The  possibility  of  success  to 
this  experiment,  depends  absolutely  on  the  extent  of  intelli- 
gence, and  the  elevation  of  moral  principle  among  the 
people.  We  congratulate  ourselves  on  our  emancipation 
from  that  alliance  between  the  throne  and  hierarchy, 
which  for  ages  held  the  noblest  faculties  of  man  in  chains, 
and  shrouded  the  world  in  night.  But  in  the  paroxysm  of 
our  exultation  we  are  falling  into  another  extreme  ;  and 
both  good  men  and  bad  seem  to  be  uniting  in  the  opinion, 
that  religion  and  politics  should  have  no  connection.  The 
religious  man,  doubtless,  should  stand  aloof  from  the 
spirit  of  faction,  and  from  the  rancorous  passions  engen- 
dered by  party  politics.  But  he  is  a  man,  a  moral  agent, 
a  citizen.  Can  he  withdraw  all  the  powers  of  his  under- 
standing, and  the  sensibilities  of  his  heart,  from  the  best 
interests  of  his  country  ?  With  these  interests,  his  own, 
and  those  of  his  family  are  identified.  When  it  shall  be 
shown  that  it  is  no  concern  of  his,  whether  the  rights  of 
property,  of  personal  safety,  of  conscience,  shall  be  pro- 
tected or  sacrificed;  then  will  it  be  a  point  of  indifference 
to  him,  under  what  sort  of  government  he  shall  live,  and 
by  what  sort  of  men  it  shall  be  administered.  Christianity 
can  exist  without  protection,  nay,  in  spite  of  opposition 
from  any  human  government.  The  proof  is  seen  in  her 
triumphant  march,  amid  the  ruins  of  mighty  empires  that 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


341 


leagued  to  oppose  her  progress.  It  is  seen  in  the  cliarter 
of  the  church,  that  places  her  safety  under  the  guaranty 
of  Omnipotence.  But  can  government  exist  and  prosper 
without  religion  ?  Look  on  the  page  of  history  and  see. 
Communities  that  have  tried  the  experiment,  have  per- 
ished in  their  folly,  or  been  chastised  into  wisdom  with  a 
whip  of  scorpions.  Should  heaven,  in  its  wrath,  leave  our 
own  country  to  try  the  same  experiment,  we  shall  indeed 
travel  the  broad  highway  of  nations,  but  shall  find  its  every 
footstep  marked  with  calamity  and  blood.  It  is  the  fashion 
of  New  England  to  glory  in  her  profusion  of  blessings  ; 
but  the  source  of  all  this  prosperity  (forgotten  as  it  often 
is  in  our  halls  of  legislation,  and  on  our  political  anniver- 
saries) lies  in  one  fact — Our  Ancestors  were  Chuis- 
Ti.-vNs.  Wo  to  that  generation,  in  which  their  institutions 
and  principles  shall  become  the  scorn  of  their  degenerate 
sons. 

"A  state  religion  is  a  deformity  which  I  hope  never 
to  see  in  our  Republic; — but  I  can  never  expect  a  state 
without  religion  to  be  prosperous,  till  I  shall  be  satisfied 
that  moral  madness  is  political  wisdom.  The  tendency, 
then,  which  has  been  apparent  among  u.-<,  within  the  last 
twenty  years,  to  cast  into  the  back  ground  the  dependence 
of  government  on  religion,  and  to  except  political  men,  as 
such,  from  the  obligations  of  Christian  principles,  is  the 
most  ominous  feature  in  the  aspect  of  the  times.  If  we 
shall  continue  to  diverge,  a  few  years  more,  from  the 
maxims  of  our  Puritan  fathers,  I  fear  it  will  be  regarded  as 
an  offence  against  civil  rights  to  say  a  word  in  favor  of 
religion  as  a  qualification  in  rulers ;  and  that  a  fastidious 
party  spirit  will  point  the  finger  of  reproach  at  hiui,  wiio 
shall  maintain  the  antiquated  doctrine,  that  the  best  prin- 
ciple of  political  integrity  is  the  fear  of  God. 

"  While  the  writer  of  this  article  has  nothing  to  seek  or 
to  dread  from  the  caprice  of  popular  opinion,  he  hardly 
29* 


342 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


dares  to  hope  that  his  feeble  remonstrance  will  avail  any 
thing  against  a  downward  current  which  already  seems  to 
be  overwhelming.  Ten  years  ago,  the  people  of  this 
commonwealth,  alarmed  at  the  growing  profanation  of  the 
Sabbath,  were  aroused  to  measures  of  energy  in  executing 
the  laws  against  violators  of  this  sacred  day  ;  and  poured 
in  petitions  to  the  General  Court,  that  these  laws  might 
be  made  more  perfectly  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  case. 
But  our  highest  judicial  tribunal  set  its  foot  on  these  last 
strugglings  of  attachment  to  habits  sanctioned  by  the  wis- 
dom of  two  centuries ;  and  since  then,  who  can  tell  an 
instance,  in  which  any  Sabbath-breaker  has  been  punished 
or  molested,  in  Massachusetts?  What  drover,  or  wag- 
goner, or  traveller  of  any  sort,  does  not  pursue  his  journey, 
if  he  pleases,  on  the  Sabbath  ?  What  inn-keeper  or  toll- 
gatherer,  on  our  great  roads,  has  any  respite  from  his 
ordinary  vocation  on  this  day  ?  The  ship  in  full  sail 
keeps  on  her  way  for  a  short  distance  after  her  canvass  is 
taken  in  ;  but  if  the  propelling  power  is  not  renewed,  she 
moves  slowly,  then  stops,  and  then  is  drifted  backward  by 
the  tide.  There  are  certain  outrages  on  the  Sabbath, 
which  are  still  coerced  by  the  influence  of  public  habit, 
and  which  no  man  will  commit,  who  wishes  for  the  votes 
of  his  fellow-citizens,  or  even  their  good  opinion.  But 
should  the  future  resemble  the  past  in  the  progress  of 
declension,  who  can  undertake  to  say,  that,  within  fifty 
years,  the  ploughman  will  not  prosecute  his  labor  on  the 
Sabbath,  and  under  the  very  windows  of  the  sanctuary  ; 
and  the  voice  of  devotion  be  stifled  by  the  clamorous 
revelry  of  the  tavern  and  the  shooting-match? 

"  These  remarks,  occasioned  by  those  violations  of  the 
Sabbath  connected  with  the  tour  of  General  Lafayette, 
have  been  thus  extended,  because  every  new  example  of 
this  sort,  from  men  of  eminent  respectability  and  influ- 
ence, gives  strength  to  the  current  that  threatens  to  sweep 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  343 


away  our  Christian  institutions.  It  is  time  for  reflecting 
men,  especially  for  the  official  guardians  of  religion,  to 
awake  on  this  subject.  It  is  time  that,  from  our  pulpits  at 
least,  not  an  occasional  and  faint  admonition,  but  a  note 
of  remonstrance,  loud,  united  and  reiterated,  should  be 
heard.  If  our  Bible  and  our  statute-book  recognize  the 
Sabbath  as  a  day  of  sacred  rest  from  common  business 
and  recreations,  let  us  decide  whether  we  will  regard  it  as 
such,  or  relinquish  the  name  of  a  Christian  people.  If  we 
will  maintain  before  the  world,  tliat  we  are  the  most  free 
and  enlightened  community  on  the  globe,  let  us  show  that 
we  have  wisdom  enough  to  understand,  and  freedom 
enough  to  assert,  our  own  interests  and  rights  in  the  most 
important  of  all  concerns.  On  this  subject,  I  confess  that 
I  have  been  put  to  shame  by  the  manly  independence 
with  which  British  Christians  rebuke  the  transgressions 
of  nobility  and  majesty  itself. 

*'  When  George  IV.  was  Prince  of  Wales,  the  Bishop 
of  London  waited  on  him  in  person,  to  expostulate  with 
him  on  the  mischievous  influence  of  his  example,  in 
attending  a  military  dinner  on  the  Sabbath.  The  Prince 
received  the  admonition  very  courteously,  and  gave  orders 
that  the  entertainment  should  be  changed  to  another  day. 
After  the  Prince  came  to  the  throne,  he  nominated  Dr. 
Pearson  to  be  one  of  his  chaplains,  who  very  promptly 
declined  the  honor,  saying,  '  It  would  require  me  to  vio- 
late my  conscience,  by  attending  your  majesty's  parties  of 
pleasure  on  the  Sabbath.'  The  king  honored  this  Chris- 
tian magnanimity  with  new  testimonies  of  his  favor. 

"  In  a  public  journal  of  1813,  I  find  the  same  personage 
thus  vmceremoniously  arraigned  : — '  Last  Sunday,  while  I 
rested  during  a  journey,  at  a  large  country  town,  the 
Prince  Regent  and  his  suite  passed  through  the  town  in 
one  direction,  and  a  judge  of  the  circuit  in  another;  both 
travelling  rapidly,  and  communicating  abundant  activity 


344 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


to  the  inns  and  stable  yards  where  they  had  occasion  to 
stop.  But  this  was  not  the  only  evil.  Public  curiosity 
was  awake  to  see  the  Prince  Regent.  Instead  of  the 
crowded  church,  or  the  quiet  family  circle,  all  was  bustle, 
and  confusion,  and  clamor.  The  streets  through  which 
he  had  to  pass,  were  filled  with  spectators ;  and  the  grave 
aspect  of  the  Sabbath,  was  changed  for  the  levity  and 
frivolity  of  a  fair  or  a  race  course.'  The  writer  proceeds 
with  a  strain  of  dignified  but  severe  animadversion  on 
these  facts.  Now  it  looks  something  like  a  paradox,  that 
the  subject  of  a  monarchy  should  be  able  to  look  his  king 
in  the  face,  and  tell  him  his  fault ;  and  yet,  among  us 
republicans,  where  the  highest  officer  is  subject  to  law, 
and  dependent  on  public  opinion  for  his  office,  he  may,  in 
respect  to  our  most  sacred  institutions,  put  at  defiance 
law,  and  usage,  and  public  opinion,  on  the  presumption 
that  every  man  in  the  community  will  have  too  much  deli- 
cacy, and  too  much  respect  for  a  public  officer,  to  speak 
of  his  fault,  at  least  to  speak  of  it  aloud,  and  with  decided 
disapprobation. 

"  Before  I  dismiss  this  subject,  permit  me  to  add,  that,  on 
the  general  tendency  of  remissness  in  observing  the 
Sabbath,  the  views  now  expressed,  so  far  from  being  orig- 
inal or  peculiar,  have  been,  for  ages,  the  views  of  the  wisest 
statesmen  and  jurists  in  Christendom.  Judge  Blackstone 
says: — 'Besides  the  notorious  indecency  and  scandal  of 
permitting  any  secular  business  to  be  publicly  transacted 
on  that  day,  in  a  country  professing  Christianity,  and  the 
corruption  of  morals  which  usually  follows  its  profanation; 
the  keeping  of  one  day  in  seven  holy,  as  a  time  of  relaxa- 
tion and  refreshment,  as  well  as  for  public  worship,  is  of 
admirable  service  to  to  a  state,  considered  merely  as  a  civil 
institution.  It  humanizes  the  manners  of  the  lower 
classes,  which  would  otherwise  degenerate  into  a  sordid 
ferocity  and  savage  selfishness  of  spirit;  it  imprints  on  the 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  345 


minds  of  the  people  that  sense  of  their  duty  to  God,  so 
necessary  to  make  them  good  citizens,  but  which  yet 
would  be  worn  out  and  defaced,  without  stated  times  of 
recalling  them  to  the  worship  of  their  Maker.' 

"  The  sentiments  of  W.\shington,  as  contained  in  his 
valedictory  address,  are  so  familiar,  that  I  quote  only  a 
few  sentences  : — '  Of  all  the  dispositions  and  habits  which 
lead  to  political  prosperity,  religion  and  morality  are  indis- 
pensable supports.  The  mere  politician,  equally  with  the 
pious  man,  ought  to  respect  and  to  cherish  them.  And 
let  us  with  caution  indulge  the  supposition,  that  morality 
can  be  maintained  without  religion; — reason  and  experi- 
ence both  forbid  us  to  expect  that  national  morality  can 
prevail,  in  exclu.sion  of  religious  principle.'  These 
remarks  do  not  indeed  refer  expressly  to  the  Sabbath  :  but 
that  they  are  capable  of  such  an  application,  may  be  seen 
from  a  single  fact  in  the  example  of  the  same  great  and 
excellent  man.  The  anecdote  is  one  which  was  com- 
municated to  me,  on  what  I  supposed  unquestionable 

authority.    In  the  town  of  A  ,  in  Connecticut,  where 

the  roads  were  extremely  rough,  Washington  was  over- 
taken by  night  on  Saturday,  not  having  been  able  to  reach 
the  village  where  he  designed  to  rest  on  the  Sabbath. 
Next  morning,  about  sunrise,  his  coach  was  harnessed,  and 
he  was  proceeding  forward  to  an  inn,  near  the  place  of 
worship  which  he  proposed  to  attend.  A  plain  man,  who 
was  an  informing  officer,  came  from  a  cottage,  and 
inquired  of  the  coachman,  whether  there  was  any  urgent 
reason  for  his  travelling  on  the  Lord's  day.  The  General, 
instead  of  resenting  this  as  impertinent  rudeness,  ordered 
the  coachman  to  stop,  with  great  civility  explained  the 
circumstances  to  the  officer,  commended  him  for  his 
fidelity,  and  assured  him  that  nothing  was  farther  from  his 
intention,  than  to  treat  with  disrespect  the  laws  and  usages 
of  Connecticut  relative  to  the  Sabbath,  which  met  his 


346 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


most  cordial  approbation.  How  many  admirers  of  Wash- 
ington might  receive  instruction  and  reproof  from  his 
example  !  New  Englander." 

In  1828  the  'General  Union  for  Promoting  the  Obser- 
vance of  the  Christian  Sabbath '  was  organized,  and  fixed 
its  centre  of  operations  in  the  city  of  New  York.  In 
its  formation  Dr.  Porter  greatly  rejoiced  ;  and  to  its  opera- 
tions and  influence  looked  forward  with  cheering  ex- 
pectations. In  one  of  his  letters  to  Lewis  Tappan,  Esq., 
the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Union,  he  writes : — 
"  There  should  be  more  general,  continuous,  systematic 
effort  on  the  part  of  ministers,  to  instruct  their  hearers  as 
to  the  perpetuity  and  moral  obligation  of  the  fourth  com- 
mandment. Here  we  stand  on  firm  and  high  ground, 
which  we  can  maintain,  and  must  maintain,  or  nothing  is 
done.  The  civil  bearings  of  the  subject  are  all  important 
too,  but  secondary.  The  press,  as  well  as  the  pulpit, 
should  speak  ably,  loudly,  and  often,  on  this  momentous 
subject.  The  first  talents  of  the  church  should  be  enlisted 
in  discussing  the  most  prominent  parts  of  it,  in  our  peri- 
odicals and  newspapers ;  I  do  not  say  religious  papers,  but 
all  papers  into  which  such  discussions  will  be  admitted. 
Distinguished  men,  especi.ally  in  cities,  should  combine 
their  efforts  to  persuade  stage  and  steamboat  owners  to 
respect  the  Lord's  day  ;  and  make  them  feel  that  it  is  their 
interest  to  do  so. 

"More  than  all,  the  enterprise  demands  a. prime  man, 
devoted  to  it.  Can  it  be  that  God  intends  to  frustrate  all 
measures  to  obtain  such  a  man  ?  I  cannot  believe  it,  be- 
cause I  cannot  believe  that  he  intends  to  leave  this  great 
country  without  a  Sabbath. 

"  I  wish  much  to  be  with  you,  but  cannot.  My  heart 
is  with  you,  if  you  push  forward. 

"  Ever  yours,  &c,'' 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


347 


A  plan  for  promoting  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath, 
which,  towards  the  close  of  his  life  deeply  interested  Dr. 
Porter,  was  the  formation  of  associations  similar  in  prin- 
ciple to  those  which  have  so  effectually  checked  the  ravages 
of  intemperance  in  our  country.  He  desired  to  see  the 
friends  of  the  Sabbath  pledged  to  abstain  from  its  viola- 
tion. This  plan  he  was  active  in  bringing  before  the  Pas- 
toral Association  of  Massachusetts,  and  was  the  chairman 
of  a  committee  appointed  by  that  body  in  May,  1831,  to 
consider  the  subject,  to  devise  some  system  of  operations, 
and  to  report  at  a  subsequent  meeting.  In  behalf  of  the 
committee,  he  drew  up  the  following  statement  and  reso- 
lutions, which  in  pursuance  of  the  object  of  their  ap- 
pointment, were  submitted  to  the  General  Association,  at 
its  meeting  in  June  following.  These  as  amended  and 
unanimously  adopted  by  the  Association,  are  inserted 
as  the  best  expression  that  can  be  furnished  the  reader,  of 
Dr.  Porter's  views  on  a  subject  which  he  considered  of 
the  highest  importance. 

"  The  committee  of  the  Pastoral  Association,  appointed 
to  consult  with  others,  and  to  adopt  such  measures  as  they 
may  deem  expedient  to  promote  the  due  observance  of  the 
Sabbath,  have  endeavored,  with  humble  dependence  on 
God,  to  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties  assigned 
them.  They  have  done  this  under  the  solemn  conviction 
that  for  the  last  thirty,  and  especially  for  the  last  ten  years, 
a  gradual  and  growing  indifference  to  the  obligation  of 
keeping  the  Sabbath  has  been  coming  in  upon  our  com- 
munity at  large,  and  even  upon  our  churches ;  and  that 
unless  good  men  speedily  awake  from  this  apathy,  and 
unite  in  some  efficient  measures  on  the  subject,  it  will  be 
too  late  to  arrest  the  tide  of  desolation,  which  threatens  to 
sweep  away  all  that  remains  of  our  invaluable  institutions. 
With  these  impressions,  the  committee  have  inquired  what 


348 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


is  to  be  done  ?  Can  we  rely  on  petitions  to  Congress  to  re- 
form the  abuses  of  the  national  post-office?  Greatly  as 
such  a  reformation  is  needed,  if  attained,  it  would  reach 
but  one  of  the  thousand  forms  in  which  the  Sabbath  is 
profaned :  and  the  attainment  of  it  is  nearly  hopeless, 
while  as  yet  the  necessary  reformation  is  scarcely  begun 
in  our  own  families  and  neighborhoods.  Can  we  rely  on 
the  influence  of  the  General  Sabbath  Union?  For  three 
years,  we  have  been  looking  with  high  hopes  to  that  in- 
stitution, so  auspiciously  begun,  but  it  can  never  fulfil 
these  hopes  without  a  much  more  efficient  co-operation, 
than  has  hitherto  been  given  to  it  from  any  part  of  the 
country.  In  the  mean  time,  the  profanations  of  the  Sab- 
bath continue  and  increase,  from  week  to  week,  while 
good  men  are  imperceptibly  carried  downward  by  the 
current,  and  their  slumber  over  the  danger  is  becoming 
more  profound. 

"  The  committee  believe,  notwithstanding,  that  the  spirit 
of  our  fathers  has  still  hold  enough  on  this  community  to 
redeem  us  from  our  backslidings,  if  proper  measures  for 
this  purpose  are  taken,  without  more  delay.  And  we 
think  that  the  grand  effort  now  demanded,  should  begin, 
where  it  ought  to  have  begun  long  ago,  in  the  reformation 
of  ourselves. 

"  With  these  views,  the  committee  propose  that  all  the 
friends  of  the  Sabbath,  who  are  willing  to  do  so,  should 
organize  themselves  into  local  Sabbath  Associations,  by 
subscribing  the  following  agreement,  viz  : — 

"'Believing  that  all  worldly  business  and  travelling 
on  the  Christian  Sabbath,  except  for  purposes  of  piety, 
necessity,  and  mercy,  and  all  worldly  visiting  and  amuse- 
ments on  that  day,  are  contrary  to  the  divine  will,  and 
injurious  to  the  social,  civil,  and  religious  interests  of  men; 
we,  the  subscribers,  agree  that  we  will  abstain  from  any 
such  violations  of  the  Sabbath,  and  that  we  will  use  our 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  349 


influence  to  persuade  our  own  families  and  others  to  do 
the  same.' 

"  The  committee  request  the  General  Association  to  pass 
the  following  resolutions : — 

"1.  That  we  approve  of  the  foregoing  plan  of  agree- 
ment, and  recommend  to  ministers  and  churches,  through- 
out the  commonwealth,  to  form  local  Sabbath  Associations 
according  to  it. 

"  2.  That  we  recommend  to  ministers  in  all  our  congre- 
gations to  preach  on  this  subject,  on  one  or  both  of  the 
two  last  Sabbaths  in  September,  unless  it  shall  have  been 
done  previously  ;  and  that  within  two  weeks  after  this 
presentation  of  the  subject,  in  each  congregation  there 
be  an  enrolment  of  names,  under  this  general  agreement, 
and  a  return  of  the  result  made  by  each  minister  to  the 
General  Agent. 

"  3.  We  recommend  that  a  General  Agent  be  procured, 
whose  time  shall  be  devoted,  so  long  as  may  be  necessary, 
to  superintend  and  carry  into  full  effect,  the  proposed  or- 
ganization over  the  State. 

"All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

"  In  behalf  of  the  committee  of  Pastoral  Association, 
"E.  Porter,  Chairman." 

To  the  preceding  statement  and  resolutions,  the  remarks 
which  follow  were  appended : — 

"To  avoid  an  inconvenience  arising  from  multiplication 
of  officers  and  public  meetings,  the  committee  propose 
that  each  local  association  should  append  to  the  pledge 
above  written  a  provision  like  the  following : — '  Should  it 
be  necessary  hereafter  for  this  Sabbath  Association  to  meet 
for  the  transaction  of  any  business,  seasonable  public  no- 
tice of  such  meeting  shall  be  given.    In  the  mean  time, 

    are  requested  to  act  as  our  executive  com- 

oaittee  in  promoting  here  and  elsewhere  the  objects  of  this 
30 


350 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


association ;  and,  until  others  shall  be  appointed  in  their 
stead,  they  are  authorized  to  fill  any  vacancies  that  may 
occur,  in  their  own  number ;  and  to  adopt  such  measures 
as  circumstances  may  require  to  accomplish  the  ends  pro- 
posed.' 

"  The  committee  think  too  that  each  religious  congre- 
gation should  have  a  separate  organization,  and  that  (as 
in  the  temperance  cause)  friends  of  the  Sabbath,  male  and 
female,  of  sufficient  age  to  act  intelligently,  should  be  en- 
rolled. The  decided  approbation,  with  which  the  above 
simple  plan  of  measures  has  been  regarded,  by  those  who 
feel  the  deepest  interest  in  the  subject,  is  altogether  grati- 
fying and  encouraging.  And  the  committee  confidently 
trust  that  it  will  be  carried  into  prompt  and  spontaneous 
execution,  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  State,  by  the  efforts  of 
ministers  in  their  own  congregations.  For  the  purpose, 
however,  of  correspondence,  and  of  efficiency  in  these  ar- 
rangements, a  General  Agent  will  probably  be  appointed 
for  a  short  time,  whose  name  will  be  publicly  announced. 
In  the  mean  time,  should  Sabbath  Associations  be  formed 
speedily,  as  doubtless  they  will  be  in  some  places,  returns 
may  be  made  to  the  Editor,  either  of  the  Recorder  or  the 
Journal  of  Humanity." 

The  report  of  this  committee,  also  prepared  by  Dr.  Por- 
ter, and  presented  to  the  Pastoral  Association  in  May, 
1832,  contained  besides  the  documents  above  quoted,  a 
statement  of  the  labors,  hopes,  and  disappointments  of  the 
committee  during  the  year ;  of  their  efforts  to  secure  the 
services  of  an  efficient  General  Agent ;  of  the  temporary 
appointment  of  an  individual  to  this  station ;  and  of  the 
results  of  his  agency.  The  report  concludes  with  the  fol- 
lowing recommendations  and  postscript : — 

"  1.  That  a  general  effort  be  made  to  have  a  recog- 
nition of  the  Sabbath  as  a  divine  institution,  inserted  in 
the  covenants  of  our  churches,  with  a  pledge  to  observe  it 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  351 


as  such ;  the  violation  of  which  pledge  shall  be  matter  of 
discipline. 

"2.  That  the  pledge  adopted  last  year  be  re-examined, 
and  if  necessary,  amended ; — and  that  a  General  Agent 
be  sent  through  the  State  to  see  it  executed. 

"  3.  That  a  Sabbath  Association  be  organized  for  the 
State,  with  proper  officers,  and  with  auxiliaries  in  each 
county  and  town. 

"  4.  That  this  Sabbath  Association  have  an  anniversary 
in  Boston,  with  a  sermon  or  public  addresses,  and  a  gen- 
eral report,  on  the          week  in  May. 

"  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  in  behalf  of  the 
committee. 

"  P.  S.  To  this  report,  the  committee  will  add  one  state- 
ment by  way  of  encouragement  to  new  efforts.  No  sooner 
was  it  known  abroad,  that  the  Sabbath  cause  was  about  to 
be  taken  up  anew  in  Massachusetts,  than  the  eyes  of  good 
men  in  sister  States,  were  fixed  on  our  movements  with 
intense  interest.  Letters  froni  a  distance  were  addressed 
to  your  committee,  either  to  express  the  most  cordial  ap- 
probation of  our  plan,  or  to  obtain  more  ample  informa- 
tion respecting  it." 

The  measures  recommended  in  the  foregoing  documents, 
Dr.  Porter  continued  to  regard  as  adapted  above  all  others, 
to  rescue  the  Sabbath  from  desecration,  and  secure  its 
due  observance.  And  while  his  consciousness  remained, 
it  was  his  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God,  that  in  hum- 
ble dependence  on  Almighty  power,  they  might  be  prose- 
cuted with  zeal  and  energy  corresponding  with  the 
inestimably  important  ends  they  were  designed  to  promote. 
Mrs.  Porter  remarks  that  she  does  not  remember  ever  to 
have  seen  him  so  dejected  on  any  other  occasion,  as  once 
when  he  had  just  returned  from  a  meeting  in  Boston, 
appointed  to  confer  on  this  subject.  "  There  is,"  said  he, 
"  such  a  lack  of  interest,  so  much  coldness  and  indiffer- 


352 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


ence,  that  I  know  not  what  will  become  of  our  country 
and  of  Zion  !  " 

For  many  years  Dr.  Porter's  thoughts  had  been  much 
exercised  in  regard  to  the  education  of  pious  and  indigent 
youth  for  the  Christian  ministry.  A  year  or  two  previous 
to  the  formation  of  the  American  Education  Society,  he 
thus  wrote  : — "  If  the  friends  of  the  Redeemer  were  but 
properly  awake  to  the  duty  of  searching  out  indigent 
young  men,  of  promising  piety  and  genius  to  be  educated 
for  the  ministry,  doubtless  many  would  be  found,  who 
would  be  an  inestimable  acquisition  to  the  church.  The 
public  and  systematic  attention  given,  to  this  subject  within 
the  last  ten  years,  will  form  an  era  in  the  ecclesiastical 
concerns  of  this  country.  These  noble  and  auspicious 
beginnings,  it  is  devoutly  to  be  hoped,  will  be  followed  up 
with  efibrls  correspondent  to  the  magnitude  of  the  object, 
till  every  evangelical  college  in  the  country  shall  be  fur- 
nished with  a  respectable  fund,  appropriated  to  this  purpose. 
Most  certainly,  unless  the  solemn  attention  of  Christians 
can  be  drawn  to  this  object,  and  the  united  prayers  and 
labors  of  the  church  can  be  directed  to  its  accomplishment, 
the  number  of  ministers  must  continue  to  be  altogether 
inadequate  to  the  demand  for  their  labors.  For  the  want 
of  pious,  orthodox,  able  preachers,  many  of  our  ancient 
and  once  respectable  congregations  will  inevitably  fall  a 
prey  to  sectarian  and  heretical  opinions ;  or  sink  into  the 
darkness  and  licentiousness  of  heathenism.  Still  more 
deplorable  is  the  condition  of  our  new  settlements.  Amidst 
the  wide  spreading  population  of  these  extensive  regions, 
churches  are  rapidly  forming ;  but  where  can  pastors  be 
found  to  supply  them  1  They  look  to  the  churches  and 
seminaries  in  the  older  districts  of  the  country,  and  cry, 
'  Send  us  Christian  pastors  :  give  us  the  bread  of  life.' 
Must  we  close  our  ears  to  this  call :  or  instead  of  bread, 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  363 

give  them  a  stone  or  a  serpent  ?  Alas,  *  the  harvest  is 
plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few.'  "  With  these  views  he 
was  prepared  cheerfully  to  co-operate  with  any  association 
formed  for  this  purpose,  on  judicious  principles.  He  took 
an  active  part  in  the  measures  proposed  for  this  end  by  the 
consociation,  of  which  he  was  a  member  in  Connecticut. 
He  also  constituted  himself  a  life  member  of  the  Middle- 
bury  college  Charitable  Society,  organized  for  this  purpose, 
in  1813.  He  was  prepared,  especially,  most  cordially  to 
unite  in  the  formation  of  the  American  Education  Society, 
and  to  sustain  any  responsibility  in  conducting  its  opera- 
tions, which  duty  seemed  to  devolve  upon  him.  Though 
he  liberally  aided  by  his  influence  and  money,  other 
modes  of  benevolent  eflbrt,  this  appeared  his  favorite 
object.  His  peculiar  attachment  to  the  Education  Society, 
and  his  cheerful  devotion  of  himself  to  its  advancement, 
is  to  be  attributed  in  part  to  the  views  above  expressed, 
but  more  to  the  following  considerations :  first,  that  this 
society  cannot,  from  its  nature,  be  expected  to  awaken  as 
lively  an  interest  in  all  classes  of  the  community,  and  call 
forth  as  liberal  contributions  as  most  other  plans  of 
Christian  enterprize ;  and  secondly,  that  the  ultimate 
success  of  every  other  association  for  the  moral  improve- 
ment of  our  race,  must  depend  on  a  ministry  of  elevated 
intellectual  and  moral  qualifications,  and  sufficiently  nu- 
merous to  meet  the  wants  of  the  world. 

At  the  formation  of  the  American  Education  Society, 
the  deep  interest  in  its  object  which  Dr.  Porter  had  previ- 
ously manifested,  together  with  other  circumstances,  threw 
upon  him  much  labor  and  responsibility.  In  a  letter  to  a 
friend  in  Connecticut,  dated  Feb.  12,  1816,  he  says  . 
"  For  four  or  five  weeks  past,  I  have  been  taken  up  in 
addition  to  common  business,  with  organizing  our  Educa- 
tion Society,  the  papers  of  which  I  send  you.  The  whole 
of  the  last  week,  almost,  I  devoted  to  this  in  Boston,  where 
30* 


354 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


the  directors  met.  Berkshire,  Hampshire,  and  Hampden 
counties,  in  Massachusetts,  were  committed  to  me,  and  to 
avail  myself  of  opportunities  by  gentlemen  of  the  General 
Court,  I  with  the  help  of  friend  T.,  made  up  nearly  half  a 
bushel  of  letters.  Our  funds  are  yet  but  about  three 
thousand,  but  we  have  hardly  begun."  In  a  letter  already 
quoted,  under  date  of  Jan.  30,  1818,  we  find  these 
sentences :  "  We  have  undertaken  to  remodel  our  Ameri- 
can Education  Society,  with  a  view  to  extensive  operations 
in  remote  States,  and  circumstances  have  thrown  the 
weight  of  this  arduous  business  on  my  hands.  This  is 
the  fourth  week  that  I  have  been  almost  wholly  devoted 
to  it,  and  I  have  yet  many  letters  and  packages  to  make 
up  for  to-morrow."  His  labor  and  responsibility  in  con- 
ducting the  operations  of  this  society  continued  and 
increased,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Elias  Corne- 
lius to  the  secretaryship  of  the  institution — an  appointment 
which  Dr.  Porter  urged,  from  a  settled  conviction  of  its 
importance  to  the  interests  of  the  society  and  the  cause  ot 
Zion.  As  one  of  a  committee  appointed  by  the  directors 
of  the  society,  to  address  Mr.  Cornelius's  church  on  the 
subject  of  resigning  their  pastor  for  this  service,  Dr.  Porter 
prepared  the  letter  which  follows. 

"  To  the  members  of  the  Tabernacle  Cliurch,  Salem. 

"  Dear  Christian  Brethren, 

"  It  has  become  our  duty,  by  direction  of  divine 
Providence,  to  address  you  on  a  subject  deeply  interesting 
to  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  As  members  of  the  great  com- 
munity of  Christians  descended  from  the  Puritans,  and 
inheriting  their  principles,  we  know  that  you  have  been 
accustomed  to  cherish  that  spirit  of  expansive  regard  to 
the  welfare  of  the  church,  which  is  the  glory  of  this  age. 
Actuated  as  we  trust  by  the  same  principles,  the  directors 
of  the  American  Education  Society  are  endeavoring  to 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


355 


carry  forward  the  great  department  of  benevolent  enter- 
prize,  which  is  specially  confided  to  their  hands.  The 
period  is  auspicious.  The  friends  of  religion  are  awaking 
to  a  new  system  of  efforts,  for  the  purpose  of  augmenting 
the  number  of  able  and  devoted  ministers  of  the  cross. 
God  smiles  on  these  efforts  by  various  tokens  of  his  special 
favor,  and  peculiarly  by  the  gracious  effusion  of  his  Spirit 
on  our  churches  and  colleges.  !  While  the  day  of  Zion's 
enlargement  and  glory  is  thus  drawing  on,  we  desire  the 
honor  and  happiness  of  joining  with  all  those  who  love  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  advancing  the  prosperity  of  his 
church. 

"  As  the  chief  instrument  of  accomplishing  that  part  of 
the  momentous  work  which  the  American  Education  So- 
ciety has  undertaken,  the  directors  of  that  society  have 
fixed  their  choice  upon  your  reverend  and  beloved  pastor. 
In  this  measure  we  well  know  there  is  to  a  great  extent  a 
spontaneous  concurrence  of  feeling  in  the  Christian  com- 
munity. We  were  called  indeed,  to  make  this  choice  by 
the  prevalence  of  such  a  sentiment  among  the  most 
enlightened  and  pious  men  in  various  parts  of  New  Eng- 
land, and  beyond  its  bounds.  We  felt  ourselves  called  to 
it  by  the  voice  of  God,  and  the  most  sacred  obligations  of 
duty ;  and  we  hope,  dear  brethren,  that  the  same  sacred 
and  powerful  motive  will  induce  you  cheerfully  to  acquiesce 
in  this  measure,  painful  as  we  know  it  must  be  to  your 
feelings. 

"  To  you,  who  have  had  the  best  means  of  information ; 
to  you,  who  have  given  abundant  proofs  that  you  feel  its 
importance,  by  the  sacrifices  you  have  made  to  promote  it ; 
we  need  not  describe  the  magnitude  of  the  object  for 
which  we  ask  you  to  make  another  great  sacrifice.  When 
you  gave  up  a  former  beloved  pastor  for  the  sake  of  pro- 
moting the  salvation  of  the  heathen,  you  set  an  example 
to  Christians,  which  is  remembered  with  approbation  by 


356 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


the  friends  of  Zion  ;  which  we  doubt  not  is  remembered  in 
heaven  ;  and  which  we  trust  has  been  and  will  be  rewarded 
in  rich  blessings  on  yourselves  and  your  children.  It  is 
then,  with  the  confidence,  and  at  the  same  time,  with  the 
sympathies  of  fraternal  feeling,  that  we  come,  dear  breth- 
ren, in  the  name  of  your  Lord  and  ours,  and  ask  you  to 
part  with  your  respected  pastor,  that  he  may  devote  the 
talents  with  which  God  has  blessed  him  peculiarly  for  this 
work,  to  the  momentous  undertaking  of  raising  up  hun- 
dreds, and  we  hope  thousands  of  ministers  to  preach  the 
everlasting  gospel.  We  ask  you  to  make  the  sacrifice 
solely  for  the  honor  of  your  Redeemer,  and  in  reliance  on 
him  for  your  reward.  To  your  serious  and  devout  con- 
sideration we  commit  this  interesting  subject.  And  may 
the  spirit  of  the  dying  and  risen  Saviour  guide  you,  and 
comfort  your  hearts  with  that  peace  of  God  which  passeth 
all  understanding. 

"  With  sincere  affection  we  are  your  brethren." 
''Aug.  17,  1826." 

The  day  following  the  receipt  of  this  letter,  Mr.  Cor- 
nelius wrote: — "  Your  letter  to  the  church  is  just  what  I 
wanted  it  to  be  ;  and,  I  must  think,  just  what  it  should  be. 
I  have  nothing  to  add,  and  nothing  to  take  away.  If  I 
may  speak  my  whole  heart,  it  is  a  precious  letter,  and 
breathes  a  spirit  which  I  hope  I  love  to  inhale  also,  and 
which  I  desire  to  cherish  in  my  dying  hour.  I  have  full 
confidence  that  it  will  have  a  good  effect  on  the  church 
when  it  is  read."  In  the  conclusion  of  the  letter  from 
which  the  above  is  taken,  Mr.  Cornelius  adds : — "  I  have 
not  been  insensible  to  the  heavy  load  of  cares  with  which 
the  Education  Society  has  long  pressed  you ;  and  I  have 
not  been  an  indifferent  or  unsympathising  spectator,  though 
I  myself  may  in  some  instances  have  increased  those  cares. 
But  if  you  rightly  interpret  the  present  movements  of 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  357 


Providence,  you  may,  I  hope,  console  yourself  with  the 
prospect  of  ere  long  having  that  load  in  part,  at  least,  taken 
off; — and  though  like  a  parent  who  has  long  anxiously 
toiled  to  support  his  child,  you  can  never  cease  to  care  for 
its  prosperity  and  to  be  deeply  interested  in  its  future  pro- 
gress and  success,  the  immediate  burden  of  providing  for 
its  wants  will  be  removed." 

In  two  or  three  instances  when  visiting  the  southern 
States  for  his  health,  Dr.  Porter  took  a  commission  as 
agent  of  the  society  with  the  view  of  raising  funds,  or 
otherwise  promoting  its  objects.  At  its  meetings,  espe- 
cially the  meetings  of  its  board  of  directors,  he  was  ever 
active  and  influential.  One  who  was  for  several  years 
associated  with  him  on  these  occasions,  has  informed  the 
writer  that,  owing  to  his  deep  interest,  his  liberal  views, 
his  prudence  and  forecast,  his  suggestions  were  rarely 
thought  to  need  amendment.  In  preparing  the  consti- 
tution and  rules  of  the  society,  his  counsels  exerted  a 
controlling  influence.  Of  the  plan  of  scholarships  adopted 
some  years  before  his  death,  he  ought  doubtless  to  be 
considered  the  originator.  One  of  his  letters  is  in  the 
hands  of  the  compiler,  which  distinctly  prescribes  the 
plan  of  proceeding  by  which  the  establishment  of  the 
first  permanent  scholarships  was  attempted  and  accom- 
plished. The  proposal  to  remove  the  society's  seat  of 
operations  from  Boston  to  New  York,  was  one  in  which 
he  felt  much  interest.  On  this  subject  he  wrote  to 
Mr.  Cornelius  as  follows  in  1830,  while  returning  from 
South  Carolina. 

"  Washington,  Conn.,  Junt  15,  1830. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  Brother   in  New  York  told  me  he  should  see 

you,  and  would  endeavor  to  call  with  you  at  my  lodgings ; 


358 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


but  I  suppose  you  returned  some  other  way.  He  also  told 
me  that  a  meeting  of  the  directors  of  the  American  Edu- 
cation Society  was  to  be  held  in  Boston  about  the  20th,  to 
receive  propositions  from  the  branch  at  New  York  relative 
to  a  removal  of  the  seat  of  operations  to  that  city ;  and 
that  the  day  was  fixed  so  late,  in  the  expectation  that  I 
might  be  in  Boston.  The  depression  of  health  that  I  have 
sustained  since  commencing  my  movements  northward, 
I  hope  is  temporary,  but  it  will  delay  my  return  home, 
beyond  the  day  of  that  meeting. 

"In  this  state  of  the  case,  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty  to 
give  you  my  thoughts  on  the  main  question,  wishing  you 
to  make  all  reasonable  allowance  for  the  limited  views 
that  I  must  take  of  it,  having  only  a  partial  knowledge  of 
the  grounds  on  which  the  above  measure  may  be  urged. 

"  They  who  know  me  well,  know  that  I  have  no  narrow 
prejudices  against  Presbyterianism.  It  would  give  me  no 
pain  to  see  New  England  en  masse,  Presbyterian  in  one 
year.  Nor  need  I  make  any  protestations  of  confidence 
in  the  men  who  would  have  the  management  of  the  so- 
ciety's interests,  if  the  seat  of  its  operations  were  removed 
to  New  York. 

"  I  can  only  hint  at  the  reasons  why  I  object  to  such  a 
removal,  but  this  I  will  do  with  no  reserve. 

"1.  The  local  advantages  of  New  York  as  the  seat  of 
operations  in  regard  to  Bibles,  tracts,  and  home  missions, 
do  not  apply  to  the  Education  Society.  All  facilities 
needed  for  this  object  from  banks,  or  mails,  or  commercial 
guarantees,  or  transmission  of  packages  and  papers,  may 
be  had  as  well,  or  nearly  as  well  in  Boston  as  New  York. 

"  2.  New  England  was  the  mother  of  the  society,  and 
for  fifteen  years  has  been  its  faithful  nurse.  While  I  was 
best  acquainted  with  its  interior  affairs,  nineteen-twen- 
tieths  I  suppose  of  its  funds  were  from  New  England. 
You  can  tell  better  how  it  is  now.   But  I  fear  the  analogy 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


359 


of  good  old  Jacob  and  Benjamin  would  not  hold.  If  you 
take  away  this  child,  my  apprehension  is,  not  that  the 
mother,  but  that  the  '  child  will  die.' 

"3.  New  England  on  many  accounts,  is  the  natural 
domicile  of  this  society.  Where  are  the  academies  and 
colleges,  that  are  the  oldest,  the  ablest,  the  cheapest,  the 
safest  for  beneficiaries?  Look, — and  answer.  Where 
are  the  churches  that  have  been  most  blest  with  revivals, 
and  have  furnished  most  pious  young  men  for  home  and 
foreign  missions?  God  in  his  wrath  may  forsake  these 
churches,  and  give  them  over  to  the  blighting  influence 
of  theological  speculations.  But  to  act  on  the  presumption 
of  such  a  calamity,  in  our  greatest  movements,  would  be 
at  least  premature. 

"  4.  New  York  has  now  as  many  great  things  on  hand, 
as  all  its  talent,  and  piety,  and  energy,  great  as  they  un- 
questionably are,  can  manage  well.  To  superadd  the 
Education  and  Foreign  Missionary  Societies,  would  be 
unreasonably  to  burden  those  excellent  brethren. 

"5.  My  heaviest  objection  arises  from  the  present 
condition  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  I  know  well  the 
generous  enlargement  of  soul  that  has  been  enlisted  with 
us  in  New  York.  But  that  generosity  has  stubborn  diffi- 
culties to  contend  with. 

"Is  it  said,  we  would  remove  only  the  secretary,  not 
the  society  1  Answer.  I  object  to  any  arrangement  that 
would  amount  to  a  virtual  removal,  or  a  fatal  embarrass- 
ment in  operations. 

" '  But  New  York  can  and  New  England  cannot  sup- 
port the  secretary.'  If  we  cannot  and  do  not,  I  have 
nothing  to  say ;  only,  let  us  give  up  the  concern  to  better 
bands. 

"  Your  brother, 

"  E.  Porter." 


360 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


In  1831,  Dr.  Porter  felt  that  his  augmented  cares,  and 
increasing  infirmities,  might  render  it  his  duty  to  resign 
his  place  as  director  of  the  Education  Society.  This  con- 
viction he  thus  intimated  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Cornelius : — 
"  I  improve  this  opportunity  of  saying  to  you,  what  I  have 
intended  for  some  time  to  say,  that  I  have  doubts  about 
remaining  a  director  of  the  American  Education  Society. 
You  need  no  assurance  of  my  undiminished  interest  in 
the  cause — an  interest  which  will  cleave  to  my  heart  to 
its  last  pulsation.  But  the  machinery  committed  to  our 
trust  at  Andover,  is  the  greatest  that  God  has  put  in 
operation  on  our  globe.  It  demands  our  undivided  labors. 
The  seat  of  operations  for  the  Education  Society  is  now 
in  Boston,  and  the  question  is  whether  a  man  there,  young, 
and  hardy,  and  less  occupied  than  I  am,  could  not  help 
the  board  of  directors  in  their  great  work  better  than 
myself.  I  have  indeed  studiously  kept  myself,  for  some 
time,  free  from  every  public  engagement  except  this  one, 
as  being  virtually  identical  with  the  main  business  of  my 
life.  And  this  one  I  can  help,  and  must  help,  (at  least 
in  examining  candidates,  making  out  schedules,  directing 
applicants  for  aid,  (Sec.)  whether  I  am  a  director  or  not. 
I  suppose  too,  that  ordinarily  I  might  attend  the  quarterly 
meetings,  except  that  in  January.  Think  on  this,  and 
then  tell  me  your  thoughts. 

"  Affectionately  yours." 

In  reply  to  the  above,  Dr.  Porter  received  an  expression 
of  feeling  clearly  indicative  of  the  estimation  in  which  his 
services  were  held  by  Mr.  Cornelius. — "  I  fully  appreciate 
all  your  remarks  upon  the  topic  which  you  mention  in 
your  letter.  But  whoever  else  may  feel  it  to  be  his  duty 
to  retire  from  the  board  of  the  American  Education 
Society,  I  sincerely  hope  that  you  will  not.  So  intimate, 
and  I  will  add  so  parental  is  your  knowledge  of  the 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS  361 


society,  and  of  all  its  interests  from  the  beginning  of  its 
operations  till  now,  that  your  place  cannot  be  supplied, 
even  though  you  should  be  able  to  attend  only  occa- 
sionally. If  there  is  a  man  to  whom  I  have  uniformly 
felt  as  though  I  could  go,  and  tell  all  that  is  in  my  heart 
respecting  the  society  or  its  interests,  you,  my  dear  sir, 
are  that  man ;  and  I  fear  if  you  were  now  to  resign,  the 
child  which  you  have  so  long  watched,  would  have  less  of 
your  fostering  care  and  solicitude. 

"With  sincere,  and  I  hope  you  will  forgive  me  if  I  say, 
vpith  filial  affection  and  confidence,  yours  in  the  gospel, 
"  E.  Cornelius." 

We  close  the  account  of  Dr.  Porter's  connection  with 
the  Education  Society,  with  the  following  summary  of  hi.s 
services,  kindly  furnished  by  the  present  corresponding 
secretary. 

"  Rooms  of  the  Jlmerican  Education  Society. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 

"  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  am  happy  to 
furnish  you  with  some  particulars  respecting  the  services 
of  the  late  Dr.  Porter  of  Andover,  in  connection  with 
the  American  Education  Society.  In  this  important 
institution,  he  took  a  lively  interest  from  its  commence- 
ment. He  was  prepared  to  do  this,  from  the  circum- 
stance that,  for  some  years,  his  mind  had  been  particularly 
turned  to  the  instruction  of  young  men  for  the  ministry. 
He  was  present,  I  think,  at  the  first  meeting  which  was 
held  in  reference  to  the  formation  of  the  society,  and  its 
records  show,  that  he  was  one  of  a  committee  appointed 
to  prepare  and  report  a  constitution  to  be  adopted  at  an 
adjourned  meeting.  At  the  time  of  the  organization  of 
the  society,  he  was  elected  one  of  its  directors,  and  he 
continued  to  officiate  in  that  capacity  until  his  decease. 
31 


362 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


The  society  engrossed  much  of  his  affection,  and  occupied 
much  of  his  time.  He  became  even  enthusiastic  in  car- 
rying forward  its  plans  and  operations.  Seldom  did  he 
fail  to  attend  the  stated  meetings  of  the  society  and  of 
the  board  of  directors,  when  his  health  and  duties  would 
permit.  Rarely  was  there  a  committee  of  importance 
appointed,  of  which  he  was  not  a  member.  His  name 
appears  on  the  book  of  records  two  hundred  and  forty-four 
times.  In  preparing  the  constitution  of  the  society,  and 
the  rules  of  the  directors,  his  accurate,  judicious  and  well 
balanced  mind  was  actively  employed.  Indeed,  it  may 
with  propriety  be  said,  that  he  was,  almost  exclusively, 
the  framer  of  the  excellent  system  of  rules  now  in  use. 
On  all  difficult  or  important  subjects  in  relation  to  this 
institution,  he  was  consulted  and  his  opinion  was  ever 
highly  estimated. 

"  The  third  annual  report  of  the  directors,  which  con- 
tains a  great  variety  of  valuable  facts  and  instructions,  was 
written  by  him.  On  the  fifth  anniversary  of  the  society, 
he  delivered  a  sermon,  which  bears  the  characteristic 
marks  of  his  mind,  and  breathes  the  spirit  which  the 
Saviour  manifested,  when  he  enjoined  upon  his  disciples, 
'  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature.' 

"In  the  winter  of  181G — 17,  Dr.  Porter  performed  an 
agency  for  the  society  in  the  southern  States  which  re- 
sulted in  the  collection  of  some  thousands  of  dollars,  and 
subsequently,  whenever  he  visited  the  South,  he  exerted  a 
happy  influence  on  its  behalf.  In  the  last  interview  I  had 
with  him,  which  was  only  a  short  time  before  his  death, 
some  of  his  remarks  were  respecting  the  American  Edu- 
cation Society.  As  he  spoke,  his  countenance  glowed 
with  animation.  With  an  emphasis  which  I  shall  never 
forget,  he  expressed  himself  to  this  effect.  The  Educa- 
tion Society  must  be  sustained,  for  without  the  Christian 
ministry,  little  can  be  done  for  the  conversion  of  this  world 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


363 


to  Jesus  Christ;  but  with  it,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  every 
thing  can  be  achieved.  This  society,  therefore,  must  be 
viewed  as  fundamental — as  lying  at  the  foundation  of 
every  benevolent  enterprise.  And  yet  the  community  do 
not  consider  it  in  this  light.  Other  societies,  such  as  the 
Bible,  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary,  Tract  and  Sabbath 
School  Societies,  are  imposing  in  their  operations.  All 
tliey  do  is  seen  and  felt ;  but  the  Education  Society  acts 
unseen.  Its  operations  and  results  are  known  only  to  a 
few,  and  this,  in  a  great  measure,  will  ever  be  the  case. 
The  community,  consetiuently,  will  never  fully  realize  its 
vast  importance,  nor  the  extent  of  its  influence,  nor  act  in 
relation  to  it  as  the  cause  demands.  Those,  therefore, 
who  can  understand  its  operations  and  results,  are  bound 
to  sustain  it.  It  was,  no  doubt,  in  consequence  of  such 
views,  that  he  gave  to  the  institution,  in  182G,  one  thousand 
dollars  to  establish  a  permanent  scholarship,  and,  at  his 
decease,  more  than  fifteen  thousand  dollars  as  a  bequest. 

"  Such  were  the  sentiments  and  services  of  your  ven- 
erable uncle  in  respect  to  the  American  Education  So- 
ciety, of  whom  more  than  of  any  other  individual,  it  may 
truly  be  said,  he  was  its  founder,  and  its  uniform  and 
most  liberal  patron.  And  though  he  now  rests  from  his 
labors,  yet  will  his  holy  influence  continue  to  operate  on 
earth  until  that  glorious  period  shall  arrive,  when  great 
will  be  the  company  of  those  who  publish  the  gospel  of 
Christ. 

"  In  closing  this  communication,  permit  me  to  express 
my  high  esteem  of  Dr.  Porter  as  a  man,  a  Christian,  a 
minister,  and  a  theological  instructor.  In  each  of  these 
respects,  he  possessed  uncommon  excellence,  and  ju.stly 
merited  the  love  and  admiration  which  he  received  from 
all  who  knew  him.  '  Mark  the  perfect  man  and  behold 
the  upright ;  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.' 

"  I  am,  dear  sir,  truly  and  affectionately  yours, 

"  William  Cogswell." 


364 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Dr.  Porter's  frequent  journeys  to  the  South  had  awaken- 
ed in  his  bosom  anxious  solicitude  respecting  the  defi- 
ciency of  well  educated  ministers,  which  he  was  compelled 
to  witness — a  deficiency  attributable  in  his  view,  in  part 
to  the  want  of  a  competent  number  of  ministers  of  this 
character  in  our  country ;  and  in  part  to  the  want 
of  adequate  means  of  support.  Impressed  with  this 
deficiency  on  his  first  visit  to  the  southern  States,  in 
1816 — 17,  he  felt  the  importance  of  devising  some  way 
of  affording  competent  support  to  those  who  might  be 
willing  to  enter  that  field  of  labor.  To  Mrs.  Porter  he 
wrote  during  this  absence  : — "  I  have  endeavored  to  per- 
suade the  ladies  of  Savannah  and  Augusta  to  form  mis- 
sionary societies  for  domestic  operations.  Oh  my  heart 
aches  for  Georgia,  and  most  of  all,  because  Georgia's 
heart  does  not  ache  for  itself"  Having  the  subject  thus 
providentially  urged  on  his  attention,  he  was  prepared 
most  cordially  to  welcome  the  first  intimation  respecting 
a  national  domestic  missionary  society.  Under  date  of 
Feb.  4,  1825,  he  writes  from  Andover  to  Eleazer  Lord, Esq. 
of  New  York,  as  follows. 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  Yours  of  Jan.  25th  is  just  received,  and  though  I 
have  not  a  moment  to  devote  to  such  a  purpose,  I  cannot 
resist  the  inclination  I  have  felt  for  several  months  to  open 
my  heart  to  you  briefly  respecting  the  great  results  which 
I  hope  may  stand  connected  with  your  operations  as  a 
Domestic  Missionary  Society.  The  plan  as  first  exhibited, 
and  more  fully  developed  in  your  reports,  has  seemed  to 
promise  much.  What  I  wish  is  to  see  it  become  in  name 
and  in  fact  a  great  national  institution.  Suppose  then 
you  should  invite,  say  next  May,  societies  already  formed 
for  domestic  missions,  in  different  States,  to  send  delegates 
to  a  meeting  for  consultation  in  New  York.    Suppose  six 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS 


365 


or  more  comply  with  the  invitation  ;  and  your  constitution 
should  receive  such  modifications  as  may  be  necessary  to 
make  it  a  national  society ;— then  let  a  Board  be  designat- 
ed, with  ample  powers  to  compass  the  objects  in  view. 
Perhaps  the  State  Societies  already  formed  and  others  to 
be  formed  might  be  regarded  as  branches,  and  be  inde- 
pendent in  their  local  operations  at  home, — expecting  to 
contribute  surplus  funds  to  a  general  treasury,  for  general 
measures — expecting  also  to  unite  in  counsel  once  a  year 
as  to  such  measures,  and  to  receive  the  general  reports, 
which  should  embody  a  complete  view  of  domestic  missions 
for  the  whole  country. 

"  The  general  advantage  of  such  a  combined  operation 
would  be  to  make  our  religious,  more  analagous  to  our  po- 
litical organization—'  E  pkiribus  unum.' 

"  1.  The  reports  of  such  a  society,  operating  on  a  grand 
scale,  would  have  ten  times  as  much  power  as  those  of 
any  small  society. 

"  2.  The  hearts  of  Christians  would  be  expanded  and 
gradually  turned  towards  our  zcorld  at  the  west,  as  an  ob- 
ject of  common  interest. 

"3.  Under  the  impulse  of  so  general  an  excitement,  South 
Carolina,  for  example,  would  do  as  much  again  for  its  own 
missionary  objects,  and  besides  contribute  handsomely 
(that  is  it  might  do  so)  to  evangelize  Illinois,  and  Mis- 
souri, and  Louisiana. 

"4.  Such  a  society  might  have  resources  to  furnish  a 
permanent  reliance  for  young  preachers  of  proper  char- 
acter, but  who  are  destitute  of  means  to  go  on  to  the  west, 
and  who  cannot  go,  and  therefore  will  not  in  any  snfficient 
number  calculate  on  going,  till  a  new  system  is  adopted. 

"  5.  Consistency,  efficiency,  and  economy  in  missionary 
operations  would  be  promoted.  Small  unconnected  soci- 
eties, without  adequate  information  or  means,  without 
concert  in  measure,  and  without  system  even  in  their  par- 
31* 


366 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


tial  movements,  cannot  do  the  great  work  that  is  to  be 
done. 

"  These  crude  thoughts  you  will  regard  only  as  hints. 
I  presume  there  has  no  class  left  us  these  ten  years,  in 
which  there  was  not  say  six  men  who  would  cheerfully 
have  gone  out  as  a  company  of  evangelists  to  the  west,  to 
cast  in  their  lot  together  in  transforming  the  wilderness, 
— had  they  been  told  by  any  strong  society,  '  Go,  and  we 
will  help  you  till  you  can  do  without  our  aid.'  There  is 
at  this  moment  no  want  of  men  in  all  respects  competent 
to  enlist  in  such  an  enterprise,  if  the  door  were  not  barred 
against  them,  by  the  absolute  want  of  resources." 

On  the  margin  of  the  foregoing  letter,  Mr.  Lord  wrote 
when  he  transmitted  it  for  the  use  of  the  compiler  : — "  The 
hints  contained  in  this  letter  had  an  important  influence 
on  the  measures  which  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the 
American  Home  Missionary  Society." 

With  the  hope  of  obtaining  a  connected  and  authentic 
account  of  Dr.  Porter's  efforts  in  behalf  of  this  object, 
the  compiler  addressed  a  note  to  the  corresponding  secre- 
tary of  the  Home  Missionary  Society,  requesting  the  trans- 
mission of  any  facts  which  their  records  might  furnish  on 
the  subject.  His  reply,  which  as  a  historical  document 
will  be  permanently  interesting  to  the  friends  of  Christian 
benevolence,  is  subjoined 

"  My  dear  Sir, 

"  The  late  Dr.  Porter,  of  Andover,  was  undoubtedly 
one  of  the  earliest  movers  of  the  measures  which  resulted 
in  the  formation  of  the  American  Home  Missionary  So- 
ciety. I  cannot  say  that  the  project  originated  with  him. 
It  is  quite  doubtful  who  first  conceived  the  idea  of  such 
an  institution  to  extend  its  benefits  to  all  the  destitute  and 
needy  in  the  United  States  and  its  territories.    As  early 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  367 


as  May,  1822,  when  the  United  Domestic  Missionary  So- 
ciety was  formed,  in  this  city,  an  enlargement  of  plan, 
which  would  make  the  society  national  in  its  character, 
was  suggested  and  talked  of  as  a  result  to  which  the 
friends  of  domestic  missions  ought  to  aim.  Some  breth- 
ren in  the  western  part  of  this  State  were  perhaps  equally 
early  in  their  conceptions  of  the  practicability  and  need  of 
such  an  organization.  I  have  heard  also,  incidentally, 
that,  as  early  as  1624,  a  few  students  in  the  seminary  at 
Andover,  had  their  attention  drawn  especially  to  the  wants 
our  own  country.  There,  Mills  and  others  had  been  train- 
ed for  the  work  of  foreign  missions,  and  these  younger 
brethren  were  delighted  with  the  increasing  interest  of  the 
American  churches  in  the  condition  of  the  heathen.  But 
no  adequate  provision  seemed  to  be  made  or  contemplated 
for  the  supply  of  the  destitute  at  home.  They  conferred 
together  on  the  practicability  of  forming  a  Board  of  Do- 
mestic Missions,  on  a  plan  similar  to  that  of  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions.  They 
had  stated  seasons  of  prayer  for  divine  direction,  and  took 
counsel  with  the  Professors,  of  whom  Dr.  Porter  was  one, 
as  to  their  own  duty.  They  were  encouraged  to  expect 
such  a  result.  A  correspondence  was  opened  with  the 
Secretary  of  the  United  Domestic  Missionary  Society 
at  New  York.  The  result  was  that  three  of  the  young 
men  before  referred  to  were  ordained  at  Boston,  as  evan- 
gelists, in  September,  1825,  and  were  sent  forth,  by  the 
above  society,  as  missionaries  to  the  States  of  Illinois  and 
Missouri.  Dr.  Porter  was  present  at  these  solemnities  in 
Boston,  and  was  perhaps  the  first  to  suggest  the  discus- 
sion, at  that  time,  of  the  expediency  of  forming  a  national 
Domestic  Missionary  Society.  Several  gentlemen  accord- 
ingly, from  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  New  York,  and 
South  Carolina,  were  convened  at  the  house  of  Dr.  Wis- 
ner,  where  the  first  systematic  measures  were  adopted, 


368 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  the  American  Home 
Missionary  Society.  Dr.  Porter  was  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence  appointed  at  that  time ;  was  also 
chairman  of  the  preparatory  meeting  held  in  Boston  in 
January,  1826,  and  was  a  member  of  the  convention  in 
New  York,  on  the  6th  of  May  following,  when  the  society 
was  formed.  In  all  these  measures  he  bore  an  active  and 
conspicuous  part,  and  no  one,  at  that  time,  appeared  to 
embrace,  with  more  ardent  zeal  and  larger  expectations, 
the  object  to  be  attained. 

"In  view  of  this  brief  sketch,  the  origin  of  the  American 
Home  Missionary  Society  cannot  be  attributed  to  any  one 
individual,  but  must  be  traced  to  a  simultaneous  influence 
which  moved  the  hearts  of  numbers  in  different  States,  and 
prepared  the  way  for  the  measures  which  were  devised  and 
prosecuted  with  so  much  vigor  and  success  by  Dr.  Porter  and 
others.  His  counsel  was  especially  sought  and  highly  valu- 
ed by  the  executive  committee  in  the  early  stages  of  their 
operations.  There  remain  on  the  files  of  the  society  many 
of  his  brief  and  business-like  letters  in  answer  to  inquiries 
from  the  secretary  and  others,  in  all  of  which  there  are 
many  incidental  expressions  of  the  lively  interest  which 
he  cherished  in  the  cause.  Under  date  of  March  21st, 
1826,  he  says,  *  I  hope  from  four  to  six  of  our  senior  class 
may  be  engaged  for  your  society,  provided  they  can  be 
assured  soon  that  they  will  be  wanted.' — In  another 
communication,  dated  the  28th  of  the  same  month,  he  re- 
marks, in  relation  to  the  proposed  convention  in  New 
York,  to  form  a  national  society  for  Home  Missions,  'no 
branch  of  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  day  has  of 
late  taken  so  strong  a  hold  of  my  heart  as  the  one  in  ques- 
tion.' In  a  letter  of  June  6,  1826,  he  says,  '  After  what 
you  know  of  my  opinions  and  feelings  respecting  the 
American  Home  Missionary  Society,  I  need  give  you  no 
assurances  that  I  shall  think  it  my  honor  and  happiness 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


369 


to  promote  its  interests  by  all  means  in  my  power.'  From 
a  letter  dated  Jan.  25th,  1327,  and  addressed  to  the  cor- 
responding secretary,  then  in  Boston,  I  make  the  following 
extract.  '  If  you  could  find  fifty  missionaries  such  as 
those  on  your  list  here,  I  should  think  it  best  to  engage 
them  at  once,  and  then,  in  faith  and  hope,  call  for  money. 
The  churches  will  give  largely,  if  they  see  large  measures 
in  hand  and  boldly  undertaken.  1  wish  your  society 
could  next  fall  have  an  ordination  in  Boston  or  New  York, 
which  would  make  a  strong  impression  over  the  land. 
This  I  wished  to  see  done  before,  but  thought  it  best  that 
the  national  society  be  first  formed,  and,  if  possible,  from 
ten  to  twenty  men  ordained  at  once.  Now  is  your  time  to 
secure  men :  you  must  come  back  and  follow  up  the  im- 
pression made  last  evening  in  conversation,  &,c.  As  it 
regards  the  getting  of  funds,  at  least  in  New  England,  you 
may  do  more  in  one  hour  employed  in  enlisting  some  of 
these  prime  men,  than  you  can  do  ill  a  month  elsewhere. 
The  committee  of  Home  Missions  in  the  seminary  have 
a  report  ready,  which  is  to  be  read  Tuesday  evening  next. 
If  you  can  come  that  day,  I  will  then  give  you  the  particu- 
lar information  you  desired  in  your  note  to  Brother  Woods, 
and  also  my  own  subscription  to  your  society,  which  I  fail- 
ed of  an  opportunity  to  do,  by  not  seeing  you  again  while 
here.' 

"  It  should  be  remembered  that  at  the  date  of  the  commu- 
nications from  which  the  above  remarks  are  taken,  it  was 
'a  day  of  small  things'  with  the  American  Home  Mission- 
ary Society.  It  had  just  begun  its  operations  under  its  new 
and  enlarged  form.  The  experiment  of  its  enterprise  was 
yet  to  be  tried,  and  its  mighty  work  was  all  before  it.  Dr. 
Porter  was  one  of  the  boldest,  as  well  as  most  judicious  and 
enlightened  of  its  projectors,  and  his  confidence  in  its  rapid 
and  enlarged  success  was  in  advance  of  most  of  his  coadju- 
tors in  giving  shape  to  its  organization,  and  energy  to  the 


370 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


beginning  of  its  operations.  To  the  day  of  his  death  he  con- 
tinued to  be  an  interesting  and  deeply  interested  correspon- 
dent of  the  committee,  and  the  counsel  of  no  one  was  more 
highly  valued.  We  deeply  lament  his  loss,  in  common 
with  the  friends  of  all  the  benevolent  institutions  of  the  day. 
We  knew  him  well  and  loved  him  much.  Few  men  have 
risen  up  in  our  churches  to  so  high  an  eminence,  and  yet 
'remained  so  void  of  guile,  so  enlightened  in  their  views, 
so  expansive  in  their  benevolence,  so  wise  in  counsel,  so 
humble  in  spirit,  so  single  hearted,  steady  and  uniform  in 
the  great  purpose  of  their  life  and  labors.  When  such  men 
(lie,  the  church,  the  whole  church,  has  cause  to  mourn,  for 
there  are  few  left  to  fill  their  places.  May  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  thrust  forth  many  laborers  like  him,  and  spare  them 
long  to  adorn  the  doctrines  of  our  God  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  and  extend  the  saving  health  of  his  gospel  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth. 

"  With  affectionate  regard,  I  remain,  dear  Sir, 

"  Yours  in  the  bonds  of  the  gospel, 

"Absalom  Peters." 

Of  the  Prison  Discipline  Society  Dr.  Porter  was  also  an 
early  and  active  friend.  His  agency  in  connection  with 
this  unpretending,  but  truly  noble  department  of  Christian 
philanthropy,  is  thus  alluded  to  by  the  devoted  and  worthy 
secretary  of  the  society,  in  the  beautiful  tribute  to  his 
memory,  contained  in  the  ninth  annual  report.  "  Before 
this  society  was  formed,  and  even  before  its  formation  was 
distinctly  contemplated,  Dr,  Porter,  Mr.  Evarts,  and  a 
venerable  friend  still  living,  signed  the  credentials  of  an 
individual,  introducing  him  to  the  American  Bible  Society, 
as  a  suitable  person  to  examine  the  prisons  in  the  United 
States,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  their  condition. 
This  society  had  its  origin  in  that  examination  ;  and  this 
is  only  one  among  many  facts  which  might  be  mentioned, 


BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  371 


to  show  liow  nearly  connected  is  the  name  of  Ebenezer 
PoRTEK  witli  the  first  movements  in  favor  of  a  benevolent 
object.  Notwithstanding  his  feeble  health,  and  arduous 
official  duties,  it  admits  of  a  question,  whether  we  have  a 
friend  among  the  living,  who  has  done  more  for  the  cause 
of  benevolence,  by  his  spirit  of  counsel,  and  wisdom,  and 
understanding;  by  his  benevolence,  and  constancy,  and 
truth ;  by  his  self-denial,  perseverance  and  faith.  On  his 
bosom,  feeble  as  it  was,  many  a  traveller  in  the  service  of 
Christ  has  rested  his  weary  head,  and  many  strong  men, 
in  hours  of  despondency,  because  their  way  seemed  dark 
and  gloomy,  have  gone  to  his  immortal  spirit,  that  dwelt 
in  a  tabernacle  too  feeble  for  its  powerful  action,  and  had 
their  way  made  plain  and  liglit  before  them.  There  are 
hundreds,  who  know  from  their  own  experience,  what  this 
means.  He  was  a  beloved  and  honored  father  in  the 
church," 

The  compiler  cannot  persuade  himself  to  close  this 
account  of  Dr.  Porter's  connection  with  the  cause  of  be- 
nevolence, without  '  presenting  the  following  voluntary 
testimony  from  one  who  was  honored  with  his  confidence, 
and  was  often  associated  with  him  in  Christian  action. 

"Dear  Sir, 

"  I  some  days  since  received  your  letter,  requesting 
any  letters  I  might  have  from  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Porter, 
which  might  be  of  use  in  the  preparation  of  a  Memoir  of 
that  distinguished  and  excellent  person. 

",It  would  gratify  me  very  much  to  assist  in  any  manner, 
to  illustrate  the  character  and  doings  of  one,  whom  I  so 
highly  esteemed,  admired,  and  loved,  whose  heart,  the 
abode  of  the  best  affections,  was  alive  to  every  good  work, 
and  whose  agency  and  influence  were  unceasingly  em- 
ployed in  promoting  all  good  objects,  encouraging  good 


372 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


men,  and  devising  plans  of  benevolent  effort  for  every  part 
of  his  native  land  and  of  the  world. 

"  I  regret  however,  that  I  am  now  able  to  lay  my  hand  on 
a  few  only  of  the  numerous  letters  with  which  I  was  favored 
by  my  lamented  friend.  Of  those  which  I  find  I  forward 
three,  which  seem  to  me  most  likely  to  be  desirable  to  you. 
They  do  but  partially  exhibit  the  deep  interest  he  took  in 
home  missions,  education,  and  all  our  benevolent  objects. 
Since  my  first  intimacy  with  him  in  relation  to  these 
objects,  and  since  my  constant  residence  here,  (constant 
with  the  exception  of  near  two  years  that  I  was  in  Europe,) 
all  our  benevolent  societies,  and  most  of  our  theological 
and  kindred  institutions  have  been  constituted  ;  and  I  can 
bear  witness  that,  in  respect  to  most  of  them,  his  wisdom, 
zeal,  and  personal  exertion  and  influence  were  beneficially 
and  effectively  employed.  In  the  origin  and  in  surmounting 
the  early  difficulties  of  some  of  the  most  important,  his 
was  the  master  spirit.  By  the  maturity,  superiority,  and 
energy  of  his  character,  by  the  guilelessness  of  his  spirit,  the 
sweetness  of  his  temper,  the  amiableness  of  his  manners, 
and  above  all,  by  the  stability  of  his  religious  principles, 
the  constancy  of  his  affections,  and  the  steadiness  and 
warmth  of  his  piety,  he  inspired  confidence,  reconciled 
opinions,  stimulated  zeal,  encouraged  hope,  and  promoted 
faith,  prayer,  effort,  and  success.  He  was  alike  extensively 
known  and  beloved,  and  1  trust  that  your  Memoir  of  him 
will  enlarge,  and  greatly  prolong  the  influence  of  his  ines- 
timable character. 

"  I  am  Sir,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  ob't  serv't, 

"  E.  Lord." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


PUBLICATIONS. 

Sermons — Preacher's  Manual — Analysis  of  Rhetorical  Delivery- 
Rhetorical  Reader — Lectures — Owen  on  Spiritual  Mindedness — 
Do.  on  cxxx.  Psalin — Miscellaneous  writings. 

During  his  ministry,  and  mostly  after  his  removal 
to  Andover,  Dr.  Porter  published  sixteen  sermons,  besides 
several  in  connection  with  his  Lectures  on  Preaching. 
The  former  were  chiefly  occasional  sermons,  and  were 
published  at  the  request  of  those  to  whom  they  were  ad- 
dressed.   Their  titles  are  subjoined. 

1.  Love  to  Christ,  from  John  xxi.  17.  This  discourse 
was  incorporated  into  a  volume  of  original  sermons,  pub- 
lished in  1808,  and  entitled  the  Columbian  Preacher. 

2.  A  Sermon  from  Matt.  vi.  10 — preached  at  Hartford, 
May  1810;  at  the  request  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Connec- 
ticut Missionary  Society. 

3.  The  Fatal  Effects  of  Ardent  Spirits,  from  Isa.  v.  11. 
This  sermon  was  first  preached  in  the  winter  of  1805,  to 
the  author's  pastoral  charge ;  and  was  occasioned  by  the 
death  of  a  transient  person  in  Washington,  who  was  found 
frozen,  with  a  bottle  of  spirits  at  his  side.  Though  it  was 
not  given  to  the  public  till  several  years  after  it  was  written, 
it  was,  so  far  as  was  known  to  Dr.  Porter,  the  first  sermon 

32 


374 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


on  the  subject  ever  published  in  tliis  country.  Its  appear- 
ance was  joyfully  greeted  by  many  whose  hearts  were 
pained  by  the  increasing  desolations  of  intemperance.  It 
was  afterwards  adopted  as  a  tract,  by  the  American  Trffct 
Society,  and  exerted  an  extensive  influence  in  preparing 
the  way  for  the  reformation  in  tlie  use  of  ardent  spirits, 
which  distinguishes  the  present  generation. 

4.  Great  Effects  result  from  Little  Causes;  from  James 
iii.  5.  This  sermon  was  also  written  at  Washington  ;  and 
its  history  happily  illustrates  the  truth  contained  in  its 
title.  It  originated  as  follows  : — Dr.  Porter  had  on  a  cer- 
tain occasion  made  an  engagement  of  some  importance 
which  he  was  expected  to  fulfil  at  a  specified  time,  soon 
after  dinner.  A  slight  incident  at  the  table  delayed  the 
meal  a  few  moments,  and  thus  deranged  his  plans,  and 
disappointed  the  expectations  of  those  he  was  to  meet. 
As  he  rode  towards  the  place  of  his  appointment,  the 
words  were  suggested  to  him,  "  how  great  a  matter  a  little 
fire  kindleth;  "  and  at  once  the  train  of  thought  embraced 
in  this  sermon  flashed  upon  his  mind.  This  was  Friday. 
He  could  find  no  time  to  write,  however,  till  the  afternoon 
of  the  day  following.  He  then  addressed  himself  to  the 
execution  of  his  plan,  and  by  bed  time,  the  discourse  was 
completed.  He  valued  it  but  little  at  the  time,  and  first 
preached  it  as  an  address  to  the  youth  of  his  parish.  He 
afterwards  preached  it  in  1815,  before  the  Moral  Society 
of  Andover,  and  at  their  urgent  request,  consented  to  its 
publication.  This  discourse  somewhat  abridged,  was  also 
adopted  and  published  by  the  American  Tract  Society. 
Subsequently  it  was  translated  into  French,  and  reprinted 
in  France.  When  a  copy  of  it  in  French  was  presented 
to  Dr.  Porter,  he  remarked  with  a  smile,  "  that  would 
never  have  been  translated  into  French,  if  I  had  not 
omitted  the  allusions  to  Napoleon  which  it  contained  when 
it  was  first  preached."    An  edition  of  this  sermon  was  pub- 


PUBLICATIONS. 


375 


lished,  as  original,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  1824,  with  many 
additions,  and  mutilations  of  its  style  and  sentiments. 

5.  The  Magnitude  of  the  Preacher's  Work,  from  2  Cor. 
ii.  16.  This  discourse  was  preached  at  the  ordination  of 
Rev.  Israel  W.  Putnam,  and  Rev,  Alfred  Mitchell,  and 
published  in  1815. 

6.  Character  of  Nehemiuh,  or  Jerusalem  built  up,  from 
Neh.  ii.  17.  This  sermon  was  preached  on  the  State  Fast 
in  1816,  in  the  chapel  of  the  theological  seminary. 

7.  Sermon  from  Psalm  cxxvii.  1 — preached  in  1818,  at 
the  dedication  of  the  chapel  erected  for  the  use  of  the 
seminary,  by  the  munificence  of  William  Bartlet,  Esq. 

8.  Sermon  from  Hebrews  v.  12 — preached  in  1819,  at 
the  ordination  of  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Murdock. 

9.  Sermon  from  Mark  xvi.  15 — preached  in  Boston, 
October  1820,  at  the  Anniversary  of  the  American  Edu- 
cation Society. 

10.  Signs  of  the  Times,  from  Matthew  xvi.  3 — preached 
in  the  chapel  of  the  seminary,  on  the  Public  Fast  in  1823, 
and  published  by  the  Society  of  Inquiry  in  the  institution. 

11.  Unity  of  31inisterial  Influence,  from  1  Cor,  iii.  9 — 
preached  in  Boston,  May  1827,  before  the  Pastoral  Asso- 
ciation of  Massachusetts. 

12.  The  Duty  of  Christians  to  Pray  for  the  Mission- 
ary Cause,  from  Colossians  iv.  3 — preached  in  Boston, 
November  1827,  before  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 
Gospel  among  the  Indians  and  others  in  North  America. 

13.  The  Presumption  of  skeptical  men,  and  careless 
contemners  of  Religion,  from  2  Peter  iii.  4 — preached 
November  1828,  in  the  South  Parish  of  Andover. 

14.  The  Immortality  of  God,  fiom  Exodus  iii.  14 — 
published  April  1829,  in  the  American  National  Preacher. 

15.  The  Duty  of  Praying  for  Pulers,  from  1  Tim.  ii. 
1,  2 — preached  on  the  State  Fast,  April  1831,  in  the 
chapel  of  the  seminary. 


376 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


16.  Sermon  second,  on  the  same  subject.  These  ser- 
mons appeared  both  in  a  neat  pamphlet  form,  and  in  the 
National  Preacher. 

Dr.  Porter's  sermons  published  in  connection  with  his 
Lectures  on  Preaching,  were  designed  chiefly  to  illustrate 
the  principles  there  advanced.  Contemplated  as  models, 
the  selection  does  credit  to  his  judgment.  But  aside  from 
their  merit  as  models,  they  are  pervaded  by  a  spirit  of 
piety,  which  rendered  them  highly  useful  during  the  life 
of  their  author,  and  entitles  them  to  a  rank  among  his 
best  compositions.    They  are  five  in  number. 

The  first,  from  Matthew  xxii.  37,  38,  on  Love  to  God, 
was  introduced  to  illustrate  the  author's  views  of  the 
proper  structure  of  a  doctrinal  discourse. 

The  second,  denominated  doctrino-practical,  is  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  same  subject. 

The  third,  entitled  Foresight  of  Futurity,  from  Jere- 
miah viii.  7,  is  denominated  ethical. 

The  fourth,  on  Religious  Decision,  from  Daniel  vi.  10, 
is  intended  as  a  specimen  of  historical  preaching. 

The  fifth,  entitled  The  Careless  Sinner  Warned,  from 
Isaiah  i.  18,  illustrates  its  author's  views  of  the  proper 
structure  of  a  hortatory  sermon. 

Dr.  Porter  published  several  works,  selected  and  orig- 
inal, which  grew  out  of  his  oflicial  labors.  Though  there 
were  books  before  the  community  designed  to  aid  in  the 
formation  of  ministerial  character,  there  were  none  which 
discussed  the  great  principles  of  preaching,  in  a  manner 
and  to  an  extent,  adapted  to  the  wants  of  his  pupils.  His 
duties,  rendered  more  laborious  and  exhausting  by 
bodily  infirmity,  forbade  on  his  part  the  expectation  of 
supplying  the  deficiency,  from  his  own  resources.  With 
the  hope  of  doing  it  in  some  measure,  he  resorted  to  a 
compilation  which  embodied  those  treatises  on  the  subject 
whose  precepts  are  most  worthy  of  regard.    This  compi- 


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377 


lation,  entitled  The  Young  Preacher's  Manual,  has  passed 
through  two  editions.  The  second  edition,  enlarged  by  the 
addition  of  several  notes,  and  by  the  substitution  of  Bax- 
ter's invaluable  treatise  the  Reformed  Pastor,  for  Brown's 
Address  to  Students  in  Divinity,  was  published  in  1829. 

In  performing  his  professional  labors.  Dr.  Porter  had 
occasion  to  bestow  much  attention  on  the  subject  of  Rhe- 
torical Inflections.  As  it  became  his  duty  to  investigate 
the  current  theories  on  the  subject,  he  was  convinced  that 
the  treatise  of  Walker,  then  used  as  a  text-book  in  the 
seminary,  in  some  of  its  principles  needed  correction  ;  and 
that  at  least  a  more  simple  and  intelligible  classification  of 
the  main  principles  of  the  whole  work,  would  greatly  con- 
tribute to  its  usefulness.  In  the  discharge  of  official  duty 
he  prepared  a  Lecture  on  Vocal  Inflections,  embracing 
those  principles  of  Walker  which  he  deemed  most  impor- 
tant, together  with  such  modifications  as  he  thought  need- 
ful. This  lecture,  at  the  request  of  his  pupils,  was  printed, 
in  1824,  for  their  use  ;  but  contrary  to  the  expectation  ol 
its  author,  found  its  way  into  soine  of  our  colleges  and 
other  literary  institutions.  Several  requests  soon  followed 
from  officers  of  these  institutions  and  others  engaged  in 
giving  instruction  in  elocution,  that  he  would  prepare  a 
book  embodying,  in  addition  to  the  same  principles,  a 
sufficient  number  of  examples  for  illustration.  To  these 
requests  he  yielded.  The  book,  which  was  first  published 
in  1827,  he  entitled,  Analysis  of  the  Principles  of  Rhe- 
torical Delivery,  as  applied  in  Reading  and  Speaking 
It  was  immediately  adopted  extensively  as  a  text-book, 
and  supplied  as  was  anticipated,  an  important  deficiency 
in  the  facilities  for  instruction  in  elocution.  The  estima- 
tion in  which  it  was  held,  was  unequivocally  testified 
during  the  life  of  its  author,  by  the  rapid  sale  of  several 
large  editions. 

32* 


378 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


So  obvious  was  the  utility  of  this  work,  that  Dr.  Porter 
was  solicited  to  prepare  a  smaller  work  of  tlie  same  charac- 
ter, adapted  to  the  wants  of  academies  and  common  schools. 
To  this  solicitation  he  also  yielded  ;  and  in  1831  presented 
the  public  with  his  Rhetorical  Reader.  In  preparing 
these  works  for  the  press,  he  felt  that  if  he  was  temporarily 
deviating  from  the  path  of  official  duty,  he  was  not  turning 
aside  from  the  great  purpose  to  which  his  life  was  devoted. 
"  I  have  been  the  more  cheerful  in  this  undertaking,"  he 
remarks,  "  from  a  full  conviction  that  whatever  is  accom- 
plished on  this  subject  in  classical  schools,  is  clear  gain 
to  professional  education  for  the  pulpit.  To  no  possible 
case,  more  than  to  this,  is  the  maxim  applicable,  '  Pre- 
vention is  easier  than  cure.'  Faults  which  almost  defy 
correction,  might  easily  have  been  avoided  by  skill  and 
pains  in  forming  the  early  habits." 

In  pursuance  of  the  same  general  purpose,  Dr.  Porter 
had  commenced  the  preparation  of  a  work,  to  be  composed 
solely  of  selections  from  the  Bible,  with  Rhetorical  Nota- 
tion so  applied  as  to  enable  the  reader  to  apply  in  perusing 
the  Scriptures  the  principles  developed  in  the  preceding 
works.  This  work  has  since  been  completed  and  pub- 
lished under  tiic  superintendence  of  Mr.  T.  D.  P.  Stone. 

The  completion  of  his  Lectures  connected  with  the 
subject  of  preaching,  was  during  the  last  years  of  Dr. 
Porter's  life,  more  than  any  other,  an  object  of  his  solici- 
tude. He  dared  not  hope,  indeed,  that  he  should  be  able 
fully  to  execute  the  plan  he  had  formed.  This,  besides 
several  additional  lectures  on  the  Characteristics  of  Ser- 
mons, would  have  embraced  a  much  wider  range  of 
subjects; — as  the  faults  most  likely  to  occur  in  doctrinal 
sermons  ; — the  characteristics  of  a  good  preacher,  such  as 
the  influence  of  decided  and  elevated  personal  piety  on 
his  doctrinal  sentiments,  his  motives,  his  personal  enjoy- 


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379 


nients,  his  fidelity  and  success; — the  value  of  genius  to  a 
preacher,  of  acquired  knowledge,  of  judgment  and  skill 
in  the  adaptation  of  his  discourses ; — his  spiritual,  intel- 
lectual, and  professional  habits;  his  closet,  his  study,  his 
preparation  for  the  pulpit ; — originality  and  plagiarism  ; — 
preaching  memoriter,  extempore,  and  reading  notes ; — the 
advantages  of  expository  discourses,  and  the  best  mode  of 
conducting  them.  His  desire  in  reference  to  the  comple- 
tion of  his  lectures  was  so  far  gratified,  that  he  was  per- 
mitted about  three  months  before  his  decease  to  present  to 
the  public  the  volume  entitled.  Lectures  on  Homilctics, 
Preaching,  and  Public  Prayer. 

Probably  few  men  in  the  same  profession,  differ  from 
the  author  of  these  lectures  in  respect  to  the  desirableness 
of  a  work  of  this  character — a  work  embodying  in  some- 
thing like  a  system,  the  great  principles  of  preaching, 
which  if  accessible  at  all  to  the  English  student,  are  found 
chiefly  in  brief  treatises  borrowed  from  other  languages, 
or  in  summary  discussions  in  occasional  sermons,  or  on 
the  pages  of  our  periodicals.  Dr.  Porter  himself  deeply 
regretted  that  he  could  not  so  nearly  have  executed  his 
plans,  that  his  work  might  merit  the  appellation  of  a  sys- 
tem. But  he  did  what  he  could  ;  and  in  accomplishing  so 
much,  more  than  realized  his  own  expectations.  However 
deficient  this  work  may  appear  when  viewed  as  a  system, 
it  must  be  regarded,  when  we  consider  the  embarrassments 
from  ill  health,  under  which  the  author  was  obliged  to 
pursue  his  studies,  a  monument  of  his  industry,  correct 
taste,  and  professional  ability.  It  bears  the  distinct 
impress  of  his  intellectual  and  moral  characteristics.  For 
its  perspicuity  both  in  style  and  arrangement,  for  its  candid 
and  judicious  criticism,  for  its  logical  and  manly  discus- 
sion, and  for  the  amount  of  important  information  it 
embodies,  it  can  hardly  fail  to  be  regarded  as  a  standard 
work  of  the  class  to  which  it  belongs,  even  though  future 


380 


MEMOIRS  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


researches  in  the  department,  should  furnish  a  system  of 
instruction  more  fully  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  student 
of  sacred  eloquence.  "The  book,"  says  a  judicious 
review,  "  is  in  our  judgment  worth  more  to  the  student  of 
sacred  rhetoric,  than  all  we  have  been  able  to  find  on  the 
art  of  preaching  in  any  language.  It  is  refined  gold,  and 
ought  to  be  studied  not  only  by  every  candidate  for  the 
Christian  ministry,  but  by  every  preacher  who  is  neither 
too  wise  to  learn,  nor  too  old  to  improve.  We  may  be 
somewhat  partial  to  a  book  in  which  we  recognize  on  every 
page  tlie  impress  of  a  revered  instructor ;  but  after  search- 
ing through  libraries  for  something  to  guide  us  in  the  sa- 
cred and  momentous  work  of  preaching  the  gospel,  we  are 
constrained  to  regard  these  Lectures  as  the  best  treatise  we 
have  been  able  to  find  on  the  eloquence  of  the  pulpit."* 

Dr.  Porter  left  in  manuscript,  brief  courses  of  Lectures 
on  Eloquence  and  Style,  which  have  since  been  published. 
His  discussion  of  these  subjects  was  designedly  adapted 
to  the  wants  of  candidates  for  the  sacred  office. 

Near  the  close  of  his  life  he  saw  fit  to  offer  the  Christian 
community  an  abridgment  of  the  excellent  treatise  of 
"  Owen  on  Spiritual  Mindedness."  Of  the  manner  in 
which  tills  abridgment  was  executed  the  following  extract 
of  a  letter  to  one  of  his  colleagues,  will  inform  the  reader. 
"The  savor  of  godliness  in  Owen  is  as  great  perhaps  as 
in  Baxter,  but  his  rhetorical  power  as  a  writer  is  incom- 
parably inferior.  Lideed  so  languid  is  the  style  of  Owen 
that  he  never  will  be  read,  in  this  day  when  religious  com- 
positions arc  coming  to  be  tolerably  free  from  the  endless 
pleonasms  of  his  time.  Until  I  read  Owen  I  never  knew 
whence  the  tautologies  and  other  defects  in  style  of  our 
great  Edwards,  were  derived,  and  transmitted  from  him 
and  Hopkins  to  our  ministry,  so  as  to  become  a  general 


*Axn.  Quart.  Observer,  April,  1834,  p.  328. 


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3S1 


characteristic  of  our  theological  writings,  till  within  the 
last  twenty  years.  I  read  the  above  work  of  Owen,  I 
hope  with  benefit ;  but  read  with  my  pen  in  hand,  blotting 
out  from  one  word  to  half  a  page,  as  I  go  on.  If  on 
review  it  shall  seem  best,  I  may  offer  it  as  an  abridgment 
for  the  benefit  of  others  ;  the  thoughts  being  rich  and 
strong,  as  every  thing  of  Owen's  is." 

A  desire  to  secure  a  perusal  for  productions  of  so  much 
excellence,  and  through  them  to  draw  attention  to  the 
writings  of  other  distinguished  divines  who  were  cotom- 
porary  with  Owen,  induced  Dr.  Porter  about  a  year  after 
the  publication  of  the  preceding  work,  to  offer  an  abridg- 
ment of  the  same  author  on  the  cxxx.  Psalm.  As  in 
the  former  case  the  abridgment  was  made  chiefly  by 
omissions.  "The  reader,"  he  remarks  in  his  Prefiice, 
"  will  understand  that  in  the  following  pages,  he  will  find 
no  other  scntimenls  than  thoso  of  Owen.  These  he  will 
find  also  in  the  words  of  Owen,  excepting  that  the  process 
of  blotting  has  often  lefl  a  part  of  his  words  to  represent 
the  whole  ;  and  in  a  small  proportion  of  sentences,  the 
change  of  a  word  or  two  has  been  deemed  indispensable." 

Dr.  Porter  commenced  a  similar  abridgment  of  Owen 
on  Indwelling  Sin,  though  he  proceeded  only  a  few  pages. 

Admitting  the  correctness  of  the  principle  on  which 
these  abridgments  were  made,  it  will  readily  be  acknowl- 
edged that  in  preparing  them  Dr.  Porter  has  rendered  an 
essential  service  to  the  community.  Few  men  certainly 
are  better  qualified  for  such  an  undertaking.  To  few 
could  it  be  committed  with  more  certainty  that  the  mode 
of  its  accomplishment  would  do  entire  justice  to  an  author. 
But  the  danger  in  admitting  this  principle  lies  in  its  ex- 
treme liability  to  abuse; — in  the  fact  that  men  of  a  polemic 
turn,  biased  by  party  zeal,  may  be  induced  to  pervert  the 
sentiments  of  the  great  and  tlie  good  for  party  purposes ; 
or  that  mercenary  and  ambitious  men,  devoid  of  original 


382 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


power,  yet  anxious  to  shine  even  in  borrowed  attire,  may 
attempt  to  acquire  distinction  by  clothing  the  thoughts  of 
others  in  a  garb  of  their  own  fitting.  Though  abridgments 
of  several  didactic  and  devotional  treatises  may  be 
named,  which  have  certainly  contributed  much  to  their 
usefulness,  the  writer  ventures  to  suggest  a  doubt  whether 
the  extensive  adoption  of  this  principle,  however  salutary 
in  bands  like  those  of  Dr.  Porter,  may  not  eventually  be 
followed  by  consequences  which  the  friends  of  vital  god- 
liness will  deplore. 

The  miscellaneous  compositions  of  Dr.  Porter  are  not 
numerous.  That  they  are  so  few  is  to  be  attributed  to  the 
fact  that  his  frequent  interruptions  from  disease,  left  hira 
but  little  leisure  for  pursuits  not  directly  connected  with 
official  duties.  He  never  used  his  pen,  indeed,  merely  for 
his  ow  n  amusement,  or  for  that  of  others.  His  miscella- 
neous productions  were  designed  to  correct  existing  evils, 
or  to  call  attention  to  sentiments  or  measures  which  he 
deemed  important  to  the  best  interests  of  the  community, 
and  were  dictated  by  the  ruling  desire  of  his  heart — the 
desire  of  being  useful.  Hence,  did  our  limits  allow,  they 
mitrht  with  propriety  be  inserted  in  his  Memoir,  as  illustra- 
tive of  character.  The  following  are  all,  of  any  impor- 
tance, with  which  the  writer  is  acquainted. 

We  find  his  name  in  connection  with  those  of  two  or 
three  others  affi.xed  to  a  valuable  Essay  on  the  Moral  and 
Religious  Education  of  the  Young  ;  prepared  and  pub- 
lished by  direction  of  the  South  Consociation  of  Litch- 
field county,  Conn.,  while  he  resided  at  Washington. 
What  part  he  bore  in  its  preparation  does  not  appear. 

Soon  after  his  removal  to  Andover,  Dr.  Porter  wrote 
a  biographical  sketch  of  Rev.  Asahel  Hooker,  who  died 
April  19,  1813.  Mr.  Hooker  was  for  several  years  the 
minister  of  Goshen,  Conn.,  which  charge  he  resigned  on 


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383 


account  of  ill  health,  and  was  afterward  settled  at  Nor- 
wich in  the  same  State.  In  preparing  this  Memoir,  Dr. 
Porter  delineated  the  character  of  a  Christian  friend, 
whom  protracted  and  intimate  acquaintance  had  shown  to 
be  possessed  of  uncommon  excellence.  The  delineation, 
though  brief,  is  interspersed  with  instructive  remarks,  and 
does  equal  credit  to  its  subject  and  its  author.  It  was 
intended  to  be  published  in  connection  with  a  volume  of 
Sermons,  but  finally  appeared  in  the  Panoplist  for  Febru- 
ary, March,  and  April,  1815. 

Dr.  Porter  prepared  the  Third  Annual  Report  of  the 
American  Education  Society — a  document  which  indi- 
cates extended  and  careful  observation  of  the  spiritual 
wants  of  our  country  and  the  world,  and  a  deep  sense  of 
responsibility  to  supply  tliose  wants.  It  indicates  no  less 
clearly  a  familiar  acquaintance  with  the  structure  and 
measures  of  the  society ;  a  distinct  foresight  of  the  objec- 
tions it  would  meet,  and  the  obstacles  it  would  be  called 
to  encounter.  Most  of  the  society's  Rules  are  also  pro- 
ductions of  his  pen. 

In  the  Quarterly  Register  and  Journal  of  the  American 
Education  Society,  for  May,  1830,  may  be  found  an  in- 
teresting paper  from  Dr.  Porter's  pen,  entitled  "  Recollec- 
tions of  Gordon  Hall." 

About  the  same  time,  at  the  request  of  one  of  his  medical 
friends,  he  published  his  views  of  the  climate  and  the 
characteristics  of  St.  Augustine  as  a  residence  for  invalids. 

During  the  years  1832-33,  appeared  Dr.  Porter's  Let- 
ters on  Revivals.  An  association  had  been  formed  in  the 
theological  seminary,  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  and 
diffusing  information  on  this  subject.  The  object  of  the 
association,  in  whose  formation  and  incipient  measures 
he  took  a  deep  interest,  and  cordially  lent  his  counsels 
and  influence,  was  suggested  by  an  obviously  growing  dis- 
position in  the  religious  community  to  employ  means  for 
promoting  revivals,  at  best  of  questionable  utility,  and  in 


384 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


view  of  many  intelligent  and  discerning  Christians,  of 
decidedly  injurious  tendency.  It  was  proposed  to  frame 
a  system  of  interrogatories  touching  the  most  important 
points  in  the  history  of  revivals  from  the  earliest  periods 
of  the  church.  These  interrogatories  were  to  be  addressed 
to  ministers  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  whose  pursuits 
or  local  circumstances  might  be  supposed  to  qualify  them 
to  furnish  authentic  and  instructive  replies.  It  was  hoped 
that  in  this  way,  errors  in  relation  to  revivals,  into  which 
the  friends  of  piety  have  fallen  in  past  ages,  might  be 
exposed ;  that  admonitions  and  counsel  might  be  given  to 
the  churches  ;  and  that  thus  the  purity  and  frequency  of 
these  "times  of  refreshing"  might  be  increased.  The 
topic  assigned  to  Dr.  Porter  was,  The  Religious  Revivals 
wJiich  prevailed  about  the  beginning  of  the  present  century. 
For  the  discussion  of  this  he  was  peculiarly  qualified,  by 
his  habits  of  accurate  observation,  and  by  personal  ac- 
quaintance with  many  active  agents,  and  with  the  meas- 
ures employed  in  promoting  these  revivals.  His  attention, 
moreover,  had  been  for  some  years  directed  to  this  sub- 
ject ;  he  had  contemplated  the  comparative  characteristics 
of  these  and  more  modern  revivals ;  with  deep  solicitude 
had  noted  the  comparative  results  ;  and  he  was  prepared  to 
speak  the  more  frankly  and  decidedly  by  the  conviction 
that  the  purity,  and  consequently  the  dearest  interests  of 
the  church  were  in  peril.  He  had  previously  urged  some 
of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  whose  circumstances  he 
thought  more  favorable  than  his  own,  to  the  undertaking, 
to  furnish  the  community  with  an  account  of  these  revi- 
vals ;  and  several  years  before  the  appearance  of  these 
letters,  he  expressed  to  the  writer  his  determination,  as  no 
one  undertook  the  work,  to  perform  it  himself.  The  for- 
mation of  the  Revival  Association  in  the  seminary,  fur- 
nished an  opportunity  for  the  expression  of  his  views, 
which  he  felt  himself  bound  to  improve.  These  letters 
first  appeared  in  the  Spirit  of  the  Pilgrims,  and  were 


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385 


copied  extensively  into  otlier  religious  periodicals  through 
the  country  ;  exerting  a  happy  influence  in  checking  the 
growth  and  prevalence  of  the  evils  which  had  awakened 
his  solicitude.  In  these  letters,  "  being  dead,  he  yet 
speaketh" — the  language  of  warning  against  reliance  on 
means  to  effect  what  God  has  declared  is  effected,  not  by 
might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  his  Spirit ;  of  remon- 
strance against  the  substitution  of  human  devices  for  the 
simple  yet  efficacious  mode  of  securing  the  salvation  of 
souls  prescribed  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

At  the  request  of  the  venerable  Mr.  Bartlet  of  Nevvbu- 
ryport,  when  about  to  erect  a  monument  to  the  memory  of 
Whitefield,  in  the  church  in  that  place  beneath  which  his 
remains  are  interred,  Dr.  Porter  wrote  the  following 
epitaph,  the  insertion  of  which  in  this  place  may  be  grati- 
fying to  many  readers,  both  from  a  regard  to  its  subject 
and  its  author. 

This  Cenotaph 
is  erected,  with  affectionate  veneration, 
to  the  memory  of 
the  Rev.  George  Whitefield, 
born  at  Gloucester,  Eng.,  Dec.  IG,  1714  ; 
educated  at  Oxford  University  ;  ordained  1736. 
In  a  ministry  of  34  years, 
he  crossed  the  Atlantic  13  times, 
and  preached  more  than  18,000  sermons. 
As  a  soldier  of  the  cross,  humble,  devout,  ardent,  he  put  on  the 
whole  armor  of  God,  preferring  the  honor  of  Christ  to  his  own 
interest,  repose,  reputation  or  life.    As  a  Christian  orator,  his  deep 
piety,  disinterested  zeal,  and  vivid  imagination,  gave  unexampled 
energy  to  his  look,  action,  and  utterance.    Bold,  fervent,  pungent, 
and  popular  in  his  eloquence,  no  other  uninspired  man  ever  preached 
to  so  large  assemblies,  or  enforced  the  simple  truths  of  the  Gospel 
by  motives  so  persuasive  and  awful,  and  with  an  influence  so  pow- 
erful on  the  hearts  of  the  hearers. 

He  died  of  asthma,  Sept.  30,  1770  ; 
suddenly  exchanging  his  life  of  unparalleled  labors 
for  his  eternal  rest. 

33 


386 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


In  the  summer  of  1833,  Dr.  Porter  saw  fit  to  commu- 
nicate for  publication,  his  views  on  the  subject  of  slavery, 
and  the  proposed  plans  for  its  removal  from  our  country. 
It  seems  but  justice  to  his  memory  that  his  views  on  this 
as  on  other  important  subjects,  respecting  which  the  senti- 
ments of  intelligent  and  conscientious  men  differ,  should 
be  distinctly  presented  to  the  reader.  By  all  it  must  be 
admitted  that  his  intimate  acquaintance  with  southern 
institutions  and  manners,  qualified  him  to  form  correct 
opinions  on  this  subject ;  and  his  known  benevolence  and 
integrity,  as  well  as  his  assertions,  forbid  the  suspicion  of 
apathy  on  his  part,  or  of  unwillingness  frankly  to  utter  the 
feelings  of  his  heart.  The  expression  of  his  views,  was 
addressed  to  a  committee  of  the  students  in  the  theological 
seminary.    It  is  subjoined. 

"  To  tlie  Secretary  of  the  Committee  on  Colonization. 

"  Dear  Sir, 

"I  should  have  given  an  earlier  reply  to  your  note, 
but  for  unavoidable  engagements,  incident  to  my  late 
absence  from  home.  The  same  engagements  will  require 
the  reply  which  I  now  give  to  be  briefer  than  the  im- 
portance of  the  subject  may  seem  to  demand.  In  all  my 
intercourse  with  the  South,  I  have  rather  avoided  than 
invited  discussion  on  the  subject  of  slavery,  because  the 
intrinsic  difficulties  of  the  subject  are  great,  and  because 
the  interference  of  northern  or  of  any  foreign  influence, 
respecting  it,  is  attended  with  peculiar  delicacy.  Yet  I 
have  settled  opinions  on  all  the  points  which  you  mention, 
and  am  not  aware  of  any  good  reason  why  I  should 
scruple  to  express  these  opinions  in  compliance  with  your 
request. 

"In  accordance  with  what  I  suppose  to  be  the  universal 
sentiment  of  enlightened  men  in  the  northern  States,  and 
to  no  small  extent  in  the  southern  too,  I  think  slavery  a 


PUBLICATIONS. 


387 


very  great  national  evil.  The  reasons  why  I  think  so, 
are  too  many  to  be  exhibited  at  large,  or  even  to  be 
mentioned  in  this  note.  But  I  cannot  doubt  that  the 
deleterious  influence  of  slavery  on  the  moral,  intellectual, 
social,  political,  and  pecuniary  interests  of  every  com- 
munity where  the  system  prevails,  must,  at  no  distant 
day,  be  so  unquestionable,  and  so  appalling,  that  there 
can  be  but  one  opinion  on  the  subject  in  every  quarter  of 
the  country. 

"  But  you  inquire,  '  W/iat  would  be  the  probable  effect 
of  the  immediate  emancipation  of  the  slaves  at  the  South  ?' 

"  As  I  understand  the  phrase  'immediate  emancipation,' 
the  thing  is  not  inexpedient  merely,  but  impossible.  This 
any  man  must  know,  who  has  been  personally  conversant 
with  the  subject. 

"  Will  it  be  said  that  Congress,  by  a  sweeping  enact- 
ment, might  abolish  slavery  in  one  month  through  the 
United  States  ?  Congress  will  not  do  this.  They  have 
distinctly  and  often  disclaimed  their  right  to  do  it. 

"  Will  it  be  said  that  the  slave-holding  States  must, 
each  for  itself,  forthwith  abolish  by  law  its  own  system  of 
slavery?  Who  will  execute  this  law,  or  who  will  make  it, 
while  the  great  majority  of  its  citizens  are  opposed  to  the 
measure  ?  Will  it  be  said,  the  public  sentiment  of  its 
citizens  ought  to  be  corrected  ?  But  while  it  remains 
as  it  is,  how  is  the  immediate  abolition  of  slavery  to  be 
effected  ? 

"Still  some  may  inquire,  Suppose  the  thing  to  be 
actually  done,  either  with  or  without  the  consent  of  the 
masters,  so  that  in  one  month  all  the  slaves  in  the  country 
1  should  be  free,  what  would  be  the  consequence?  To 
'  predict  this  with  certainty,  is  beyond  the  province  of 
human  foresight.  No  event  analogous  to  this  has  occurred 
since  the  world  began ;  and  therefore  no  page  of  its  history 
'  sheds  on  the  subject  the  light  of  experience.    The  most 


388 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


sober  and  industrious  part  of  these  manumitted  slaves, 
doubtless  might  be  employed  as  the  laboring  peasantry 
of  the  country.  Others,  through  indolence  and  intem- 
perance, would  die  and  putrify,  like  the  frogs  of  Egypt. 
Others  would  betake  themselves  to  forests  and  fastnesses, 
and  live  by  plunder.  These  would  be  hunted,  and  mana- 
cled, and  shot,  by  white  men,  in  self-defence ;  till  the 
bolder  spirits  among  thera,  ripe  for  treason  and  violence, 
would  organize  an  army  of  outlaws  daring  enough  to 
execute  purposes  of  desperate  villany,  at  the  thought  of 
which  the  heart  shudders. 

"  A  general  emancipation  of  slaves,  therefore,  to  be 
consistent  with  such  a  regard  to  their  good,  and  the 
public  good,  as  humanity  and  religion  demand,  must 
plainly  be  a  work  of  time.  It  must  be  accomplished  by 
a  wise  system  of  moral  influence,  and  of  prospective 
legislation,  and  must  allow  opportunity  for  a  preparatory 
change  in  the  habits  of  a  whole  community. 

"  Your  next  inquiry  respects,  '  The  itifiuence  on  the 
South,  of  efforts  in  this  quarter,  hy  means  of  anti-slavery 
societies,  imblications,  S^'c,  to  jjromote  the  abolition  of 
slavery, — jiarticularly  the  effect  of  these  efforts  on  the 
slave  jiopulation.' 

"  Intelligent  men  in  the  South,  do  not  deny  to  the 
people  of  non-slaveholding  States,  the  right  to  think  for 
themselves  on  this  subject.  But  they  say,  We  did  not 
create  slavery.  It  came  down  to  us  as  a  colonial  in- 
heritance from  the  mother  country ;  and  the  cupidity  of 
slave-dealers  in  the  North,  contributed  to  fasten  it  upon 
us.  Here  it  is,  an  incubus,  as  you  think,  and  as  many  of 
us  think,  on  the  energies  and  enterprise  of  our  people; 
but  the  system  is  so  interwoven  with  all  our  habits,  that 
immediate  abolition  of  it  would  tear  up  the  foundations  of 
society.  We  cannot,  therefore,  think  it  consistent  with 
those  obligations  of  kindness  and  generosity  and  good 


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389 


neighborhood,  which  citizens  of  the  same  country  owe  to 
each  other,  for  men  who  are  as  ignorant  of  the  intrinsic 
delicacies  of  this  subject,  as  they  are  remote  from  par- 
ticipation in  its  dangers  and  difficulties,  to  seize  every 
opportunity  of  casting  firebrands  into  the  midst  of  our 
people. 

"  If  men  in  Pennsylvania  or  Vermont  choose  to  form 
an  anti-slavery  society,  let  them  proceed  according  to 
elevated  Christian  principles.  All  rash  denunciation,  all 
acrimonious  epithets,  all  disposition  to  distort  single  acts 
of  cruelty  into  a  general  imputation  on  holders  of  slaves, 
are  unwise  and  unjust.  Like  the  caricatures  of  English 
travellers  in  this  country,  they  provoke  resentment  without 
doing  any  imaginable  good.  If  such  societies  choose  to 
advocate  their  own  principles  through  the  press,  let  them 
keep  strictly  within  the  limits  of  truth  and  sober  argu- 
ment, and  send  their  publications,  not  to  servants,  but  in 
the  most  honorable  and  open  manner,  to  their  masters. 
All  inflammatory  statements,  addressed  to  the  former,  or 
tending  to  excite  them  to  rapine  and  bloodshed,  if  they 
.  do  not  subject  their  authors  to  indictment  at  common  law 
for  misdemeanor,  certainly  deserve  the  reprobation  of  an 
enlightened  community.  Deeply  as  I  deplore  the  existence 
of  slavery  in  my  native  country,  I  cannot  hope  to  see  its 
extinction,  till  the  measures  requisite  for  such  a  result 
shall  be  taken  by  the  masters  themselves ;  and  I  am 
certain  that  this  result  must  be  indefinitely  retarded,  by 
all  rash  and  violent  interference  from  other  quarters. 
Insubordination  in  slaves,  and  of  course  increased  rigor 
from  their  masters,  will  be  the  natural  consequences  of 
such  interference. 

"  As  to  your  third  inquiry,  respecting  the  influence  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society, — I  must  remark  but 
briefly.  In  1815,  if  I  mistake  not,  the  Rev.  Samuel  J, 
Mills  returned  from  New  Orleans  through  the  southern 
33* 


390 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


Atlantic  States,  with  his  far-reaching  eye  of  benevolence 
fixed  on  this  subject.  After  consultation  with  a  few- 
friends,  and  much  prayer  to  God,  his  mind  became 
settled;  and  as  I  have  always  understood,  by  the  joint 
labors  of  himself  and  Rev,  Dr.  Finley,  as  primary  instru- 
ments, the  Colonization  Society  was  established.  It  is 
needless  and  unseasonable  here  to  discuss  the  principles, 
or  the  history  of  that  society.  To  say  that  it  cannot 
prove  an  adequate  and  immediate  remedy  fpr  slavery,  is 
in  my  opinion  only  to  say  there  is  no  such  remedy.  It 
has  set  in  motion  a  train  of  causes,  that  have  already 
produced,  and  that  promise  by  the  blessing  of  God,  still 
more  extensively  to  produce,  important  results  in  behalf 
of  the  African  race. 

"  It  is  my  earnest  hope,  that  in  their  efforts,  as  societies 
or  individuals,  to  promote  the  welfare  of  this  race,  good 
men,  live  where  they  may  in  our  common  country,  will 
act  with  a  comprehensive  view  of  all  the  great  interests 
involved;  and  will  especially  avoid  such  collisions  of 
influence,  as  will  frustrate  all  the  good  purposes  at  which 
they  aim. 

"  With  best  regards  to  the  committee  in  whose  behalf 
you  have  written,  I  am,  very  affectionately,  yours,  &c. 

"  E.  Porter." 

Dr.  Porter  was  preparing  to  offer  the  public  a  new 
edition  of  Campbell's  Philosophy  of  Rhetoric,  with  such 
additions  as  its  use  for  a  series  of  years  as  a  text  book  in 
his  department,  had  suggested.  The  sketch  of  a  preface 
to  this  work,  the  week  before  he  died,  was  the  last  writing 
he  performed. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


CONCLUSION. 

Remarks — Views  of  Dr.  Porter's  character — Comparative  exemp- 
tion from  faults — Remarks — Epitaph. 

In  estimating  the  character  of  most  men  who  have  been 
distinguished  for  usefuhiess,  it  is  common  to  dwell  on  cer- 
tain qualities  which  possess  so  much  prominence,  as  either 
to  hide  defects,  or  to  throw  minor  excellences  into  the 
shade.  In  forming  a  just  estimate  of  Dr.  Porter,  however, 
it  is  indispensable  that  we  contemplate  his  character  as  a 
whole.  Thus  viewed,  like  a  painting  duly  proportioned 
and  colored,  it  appears  more  interesting  and  instructive, 
the  more  protracted  and  minute  the  scrutiny  of  the 
observer.  Whether  we  contemplate  him  as  a  student 
acquiring  an  academic  or  professional  education  ;  as  a 
Christian  amid  the  trials  and  conflicts  of  the  people  of 
God ;  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel ;  as  a  teacher  or  pre- 
siding officer  of  a  theological  seminary  ;  as  a  friend  or  the 
head  of  a  family  ;  or  as  the  advocate  of  good  morals,  phi- 
lanthropy, and  piety,  there  are  distinct  exhibitions  of  those 
elements  of  character  which  ensure  distinguished  useful- 
ness, united  in  unusually  just  and  harmonious  proportions. 

Two  or  three  brief  views  of  Dr.  Porter  s  general  char- 
acter, sketched  by  men  who  speak  from  intimate  personal 
acquaintance,  it  would  be  injustice  to  withhold  from  the 
reader.  Says  one  of  his  pupils,  now  a  professor  in  a  theo- 
logical seminary  : — "  My  recollections  of  him  are  all 


392 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


delightful  ;  in  part  perhaps,  because  he  honored  me  in  an 
unusual  degree  with  his  confidence.  But  certainly,  this 
alone  could  not  have  commanded  my  esteem,  had  he  not 
possessed  excellencies  of  mind  and  heart,  which  claimed 
my  respect  and  won  me  to  him. 

*'  He  was  a  consistent  and  enlightened  Christian.  He 
was  the  courteous  and  polished  gentleman,  unaffectedly 
simple  in  his  manners,  and  kind  and  amiable  in  his  feel- 
ings. He  was  active  in  doing  good,  and  fruitful  in  good 
devices.  He  was  the  father  of  his  pupils,  and  was  relied  on 
greatly  for  advice  in  seasons  of  difficulty,  by  all  who  knew 
him.  He  had  much  practical  wisdom  and  good  sense, 
and  the  church  is  not  a  little  indebted  to  him  for  the  influ- 
ence he  exerted  in  preserving  her  purity,  in  fostering  her 
institutions,  and  in  building  up  her  fortresses  of  strength. 
The  good  man,  the  kind  friend,  the  polished  and  wise 
teacher,  the  prudent  counsellor,  has  passed  away  from  us, 
and  found  his  eternal  home.  But  on  how  many  minds 
has  his  unobtrusive  influence  been  exerted,  minds  which 
are  employed  in  the  cause  of  God  in  every  part  of  this 
continent  and  on  heathen  shores.  And  this  influence  will 
be  perpetuated  in  future  ages." 

Says  one  of  his  earliest  and  most  constant  friends,  the 
president  of  a  college  in  New  England  : — "  The  nicely 
balanced  pi-oportion  by  which  the  various  excellencies  of 
his  character  were  so  remarkably  adjusted  to  each  other, 
though  it  perhaps  made  each  one  separately  a  less  con- 
spicuous object  of  admiration,  yet  gave  to  the  whole 
assemblage  a  far  higher  value  than  it  would  have  possessed, 
without  this  symmetry.  I  recollect  no  instance  of  a  more 
happy  combination  of  firmness,  and  decision,  and  inde- 
pendence of  spirit,  with  that  unaffected  gentleness  and 
kindness  which  gained  the  hearts  of  those  with  whom  he 
had  intercourse." 


CONCLUSION. 


393 


Another  of  his  friends,  occupying  a  similar  station  with 
the  writer  last  quoted,  remarks : — "  Dr.  Porter  was  too 
extensively  known  and  revered  and  beloved,  to  need  the 
slightest  tribute  of  my  humble  pen  ;  and  yet,  I  may  per- 
haps be  allowed  very  briefly  to  express  my  high  estimation 
of  his  great  intellectual  and  moral  worth.  His  death  was 
a  great  loss  to  the  church,  for  she  has  but  few  such  men 
to  lose.  No  one  could  know  him  intimately,  without 
greatly  esteeming  him  as  a  man,  loving  him  as  a  friend, 
and  confiding  in  him  as  a  counsellor.  Without  being 
remarkably  brilliant,  either  in  conversation  or  in  his  public 
performances,  he  was  always  interesting  and  instructive. 
Undoubtedly  he  had  more  judgment  than  imagination — 
more  strength  than  versatility.  But  if  in  its  ordinary  move- 
ments, his  mind  was  neither  rapid  nor  sparkling,  it  was 
eminently  sagacious,  patient,  and  sure.  The  first  thoughts 
of  some  men  are  the  best — but  it  was  not  so  with  Dr.  Porter. 
He  wanted  to  look  at  a  subject  on  all  sides,  and  to  con- 
sider its  remote,  as  well  as  its  more  immediate  bearings 
and  relations,  before  he  gave  his  opinion  or  advice.  What- 
ever he  saw,  he  saw  clearly,  in  its  just  proportions,  and  in 
its  own  proper  place.  The  solidity  of  his  understanding 
admitted  of  a  high  polish,  and  his  taste  was  remarkably 
correct.  He  had  strength  to  climb,  where  many  who 
trusted  to  their  slender  and  glossy  pinions  could  never 
soar  ;  and  his  pearls  were  of  more  intrinsic  value  than 
those  of  many  others,  which  may  have  been  brought  up 
from  greater  depths. 

*'  As  a  writer,  Dr.  Porter  was  always  perspicuous,  and 
generally  nervous  and  concise.  His  thoughts  on  subjects 
which  he  had  thoroughly  investigated,  were  '  like  apples 
of  gold  in  pictures  of  silver.'  As  a  preacher,  he  was  dig- 
nified, earnest,  instructive,  and  persuasive.  He  never 
drew  a  bow  at  a  venture,  and  his  aim  was  uncommonly 
steady  and  effective.    The  mere  tinsel  of  rhetoric  and 


394 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


oratory  he  could  not  away  with;  but  if  genuine  pulpit 
eloquence  consists  in  the  most  important  scriptural 
thoughts,  well  arranged,  happily  expressed,  clearly  enun- 
ciated, and  solemnly  applied,  then  was  Dr.  Porter  an  elo- 
quent preacher. 

"  But  it  was  the  remarkable  symmetry  of  his  character, 
after  all,  which  I  most  admired.  Single  prominent  and 
striking  features  are  not  at  all  uncommon.  But  that  exact 
and  delicate  harmony  of  proportions,  which  constitutes 
beauty  and  elegance  of  the  highest  order,  is  rarely  to  be 
met  with.  So  in  the  far  higher  and  nobler  endowments 
of  the  intellect  and  the  heart,  it  is  much  less  difficult  to 
find  very  great  superiority  over  most  men  in  some  one 
thing,  than  to  find  the  most  desirable  and  useful  talents 
symmetrically  combined  in  the  same  individual.  Perhaps 
there  was  no  one  faculty  in  the  original  structure  of  Dr. 
Porter's  mind,  which  taken  by  itself,  would  have  been 
considered  extraordinary.  It  was  something  like  what  we 
call  effect  in  architecture,  that  made  him  what  he  was  in 
the  eyes  of  the  public.  It  was  the  existence,  union,  and 
happy  development  of  excellent  natural  powers  of  mind, 
under  the  controlling  and  sanctifying  influence  of  religion, 
whicii  made  him  so  eminently  useful  while  he  lived,  and 
which  have  so  preciously  embalmed  his  memory." 

There  are  few  men  in  any  department  of  action,  a  por- 
traiture of  whose  character  is  not  rendered  more  attractive 
by  the  omission  of  certain  defects  which  appeared  in  real 
life.  How  few  even  among  the  wisest  and  the  best,  in 
whom,  if  contemplated  in  the  family  circle,  among  confi- 
dential friends,  or  in  the  various  circumstances  of  their 
intercourse  with  others,  failings  are  not  discernible  from 
which  we  could  wish  them  exempt.  That  so  little  has 
been  said  in  the  Memoir  of  the  defects  of  Dr.  Porter,  is 
not  to  be  attributed  to  a  belief  on  the  part  of  the  writer, 


CONCLUSION. 


395 


that  he  was  not  the  subject  of  them,  or  to  intentional  con- 
ceahnent ;  but  to  the  fact  that,  whatever  those  defects 
may  have  been,  they  were  not  so  marked  that  they  can  be 
distinctly  delineated,  or  they  were  so  blended  with  various 
excellencies  as  to  render  their  delineation  a  work  of  ex- 
treme delicacy  and  difficulty.  Whenever  the  writer  has 
attempted  to  exhibit  the  blemishes  of  the  character  pre- 
sented on  the  preceding  pages,  he  has  uniformly  met  the 
obstacle  to  which  one  of  Dr.  Porter's  colleagues  alludes  in 
the  following  sentences : — "  Faults  as  a  Christian  and  a 
man  he  doubtlessly  had.  But  they  were  not  of  so  specific 
a  nature,  nor  so  habitual,  that  I  can  distinctly  portray 
them.  I  have  tried  to  make  out  a  description,  but  cannot 
make  out  one  that  has  shade  enough  to  be  seen  in  the 
picture." 

Would  the  reader,  who  was  not  acquainted  with  Dr, 
Porter,  form  a  correct  idea  of  the  man ;  let  him  imagine 
a  well  proportioned,  manly,  but  emaciated  form,  of  about 
six  feet  in  height,  and  with  a  countenance  like  that  pre- 
fixed to  the  Memoir  : — let  him  imagine  that  form  endued 
with  native  independence,  firmness,  energy,  candor,  frank- 
ness, simplicity,  and  benevolence,  united  with  an  enlarge- 
ment of  mental  vision,  which  intuitively  perceived  the 
relations  and  bearings  of  objects ;  regulated  and  con- 
trolled by  that  sound  common  sense  which  rightly  appre- 
hends circumstances,  and  adapts  means  to  ends ;  the 
whole  assemblage  of  attributes  chastened  and  invigorated 
by  Christian  piety,  sanctifying,  ennobling,  and  giving 
impulse  to  the  natural  man, — let  him  contemplate  this 
individual  daily  struggling  with  disease  and  suffering,  in 
active,  persevering,  disinterested,  holy  effort;  renouncing 
lawful  indulgences  ;  enduring  incessant  toil  and  weariness 
for  others'  good  ;  living,  in  a  word,  '  not  unto  himself  but 
unto  God,'  and  he  has  the  likeness  of  Dr.  Porter. 


396 


MEMOIR  OF  DR.  PORTER. 


The  following  appropriate  epitaph  is  inscribed  on  the 
monument  erected  to  his  memory  by  the  American  Edu- 
cation Society,  in  the  cemetery  of  the  theological  institu- 
tion over  which  he  presided. 

On  the  west  or  front  side  : 

Sacred 
to  the  memory  of 
EBENEZER  PORTER,  D.  D. 
who  died  1834,  aged  sixty-two  years, 
was  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College,  1792, 
ordained  as  Pastor  at  Washington,  Conn.,  1796, 
inaugurated  as  Professor  of  Sacred  Rhetoric  in  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  Andover  1812, 
appointed  President  of  the  same  1827. 

On  the  right  siJe  ; 

Of  cultivated  understanding,  refined  taste,  solid  judgment,  sound 

faith,  and  ardent  piety  ; 
Distinguished  for  strict  integrity  and  uprightness,  kind  and  gentle 
deportment,  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity  ; 
A  Father  to  the  Institution  with  which  he  was  connected, 
A  highly  useful  Instructor, 
A  zealous  Patron  of  the  benevolent  Societies  of  the  times  in  which 
he  lived, 

A  true  Friend  to  the  temporal  and  eternal  interests  of  his  fellow 
beings ; 

Living,  he  was  peculiarly  loved  and  revered  ; 
Dying,  he  was  universally  lamented. 

On  the  left  side : 

The 

American  Education  Society, 
to  whose  use  he  bequeathed  the  greater  part  of  his  property, 
in  token  of  their  high  esteem  and  grateful 
remembrance  of  his  services  and 
bounties,  have  caused  this 
monument  to  be 
erected. 


2501YR 

LBC 

03-17-05  32188 


1012  01041  2056 


